SUNY Westchester Community College​​​​​​​

Pugliese Process Book 2021, PDF Version.pdf 

Isolation Chair Project / Project 1: 

This project required us to research, sketch, and build a version of two chairs, an iconic one from history and one from our homes. Some goals of the chairs we created were to make them resemble the reference, be able to stand on their own, and use interesting materials.

For the Barcelona chair, I used the cardboard to give the chair a solidness so it kept it’s shape and didn’t look flimsy; the wire forms the legs of the chair; and the plastic (which deflated upon being cut) was meant to represent the bumpy yet soft cushions and back of the chair. I had to layer the flattened pieces and then depend on the cardboard for the thickness of the cushions. For my Dining Room chair, the fork was used as its multiple prongs being a good match for the chair's back; the pieces of wire formed the base and legs; the plastic wrap was used to offer support and make the design more unified; and the cereal was used to reference the striped cushion.

Hierarchy (Rectilinear Project) / Project 2: 

Our goal was to create a rectilinear form using square or rectangular items, each at a different axis and each having different visual weight and dominance (dominant, subdominant, subordinate). We were required to create a 3D sketch model and then a final version that improves upon the sketch model in craftsmanship, construction methods and use of proportions, as well as the intent of the relationships between each form.

For my first attempt, I did not really improve upon the sketch model. These forms are simply lying on top of each other and don’t show as much switching of the axis. On the second version of this project, I used different rectangles and made sure there was a significant variation in size. I also made sure to create interest using the joining techniques (such as cradling) where I changed the axis.

Curvilinear Project / Project 3:

This project was intended to build on what was learned in the Rectilinear Project, this time with curvilinear forms. Using shapes such as cones, cylinders, and spheres, the goal was to create a piece that had a dynamic composition using the 3 types of relationships between forms (dominant, subdominant, subordinate), as well as using a diagonal axis. Additionally, the final of this project was required to be painted white (provided it was not made of white objects).

I made 3 shapes, among them a cylinder and a cone for this project. One of the forms is piercing through the second, while the third lies upon the diagonal axis. I feel my composition for this project was good, but it became marred as it distorted and became less smooth as I built it and painted it white.

Line & Wire Project / Project 4:

We were required to learn about and practice different types of curves and angles for lines during this project. Part 1 used 4 curves and 2 straight lines and was to be mounted on a base; the project was supposed to be dramatic, spontaneous, and showcase the relationship between the lines. For part 2, we looked up a 3D model of an insect, had to sketch it from different angles, and then create it out of wire; this piece was required to stand on its own and be a representational version of the insect.

For part one, my curved lines were a reverse curve, a neutral one, a trajectory curve, and a directional curve. For my remake of part one, I switched out the neutral curve for a spiral one. The first version was alright, but I didn’t use enough wire and there was no base; for version 2, I added as base and more wire but I worked with it too much, and the extra bends in the lines took away from the piece. For the lines describing form, I created a Cicada Pomponia. I turned out rather good, but would have been better if I had removed the strings from the hot glue and made the form even more 3-dimensional.

Paper Structure Project / Project 5: 

The goal of this project was to create a structure while folding and cutting the paper as many times as needed and with as little waste as possible. Additionally, tape and glue were not to be used on any part of the project. After much practice of cutting/folding methods, the final product was made, emphasizing the structure’s repetition, variety, rhythm, and verticality.

During my first attempt, despite my best attempts, it was not a stand alone creation nor did it embody a lot of structural elements that would help it be 3-dimensional. For the second iteration, I also had repetition but there was also more rhythm. I cut the paper into sections leading into a solid vertical base, then folding them in alternating points from the other side of the structure. These folds then connect back into the piece by being placed into cut slots. This version is fully vertical and stands on its own, both of which help it be a better 3D piece.

Phone Stand Project / Project 6:

This project consisted of a lot of work, including orthographic drawings from multiple angles that included the measurements of the piece. The goal was to create a phone stand capable of standing on its own and documenting a piece of 14x16 paper. Though the structure being adjustable was an optional element, it was required that the answer to the problem be creative and well-thought out while still supporting the weight of a phone.

My original plan included a tall vertical structure placed on a wide square base; attached to the vertical support would be an adjustable horizonal shape, and present on the vertical axis would be an adjustable hanging structure on which the phone would lay. Both of the adjustable elements ended up failing, one was unable to be attached while the other failed to keep the structure stable and not fall. I ended up removing the adjustable elements and redesigning the piece while still keeping the base concept. I ended up creating a successful albeit messier concept that stood on its own and didn’t topple even with the added weight of the phone.

Negative Space Project / Project 7:

The goal of this project was to demonstrate the use of negative and positive space using ice, making a unique structural form that balances its multiple pieces to create a new and interesting shape. Water was frozen and then shapes and voids were carved into it via warm water. Elements such as balance, openness, color, texture, and size helped make the structure successful.

The ice form I created originally had horizontal lines as texture, so I ran the water over those lines to create the first movements in the void shapes. I ended up using the water from the quickly melting ice in my composition, and I think I benefitted from it. Though I feel if the structure was taller, or at least depicted at a different angle, it would have been better.

Desktop Monument Project / Project 8:

The goal of this project was to create an abstract sculpture of the feeling of an image/place, one that would fit on our desktop/workspace. The basis of the model was created by searching up an image of nature from a place not visited by us before. We were able to use any material to convey the required scene and the feeling it brings about.

In order to represent the waterfall photo I found, I cut water bottles into spiraling shapes to mimic the feeling of water falling. Some piece of a lemonade carton, as well as plastic wrap were used to reference the flowing river aspect. A green-tinted bottle was used for the green reflected area of water, while some torn off paper was used to recreate the cave effect that I lost as I attached more material to the top of the bag.

Monuments Final Project / Project 9: 

Title: “Trans Athletes”

After researching a chosen topic from a list, we were tasked with creating a sculpture based on that theme. My intention was to create a monument representing transgender rights. I used wire and non-patterned scrapbooking paper (that was as close as I could find to the colors of the transgender flag) as my materials. I used pliers to bend the wire into figures and wrapped wire around itself to attach it. 

Artist Statement:

My project is centered around the idea of transgender rights. Transgender individuals are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are defined as people who identify as a different gender then what they were assigned at birth. Like many other facets of the LGBTQ community, there has been much improvement towards how transgender individuals are perceived and treated, but there is still much more progress that can and should be done. One of the prevalent recent discussions regarding transgender individuals is about sports and whether they have a competitive advantage over their cisgender counterparts. The sources I found during my research discuss this topic, and that is what I wished to document in my project: transgender individuals and sports. The base idea of my monument was centered around creating set of three figures in motion, each something that could be associated with sports. I wanted the motions I chose to create a literal and figurative sense of motion and visual flow, so I chose the sequence of a person running, jumping, and landing. My second desire for my design was to document the Transgender flag with its light blue, light pink, and white color scheme (blue, pink, white, pink, blue). I contemplated several alternative ideas, making the figures out of the colors or having the figures have the colors behind them like a banner, for example, before deciding on my final concept. The flag hanging behind my figures like a banner, backdrop, or curtain, all set on a circular base to mimic a stage or a racetrack. I chose this topic because it is something that is very important to me.