Glass can be utilized as a metaphor for our perception of femininity. Women are branded and perceived as being fragile, delicate, and as being “the weaker sex”. As a material, glass is fragile, delicate, and weaker than metal. Metal–Cast Type is strong,
long-lasting, and durable. It ensures that you can print with the type for a long period of time without it breaking or wearing down. Glass–Cast Type would be troublesome in printing. Having small sharp edges that could easily break, the glass would not allow for extended use of the type. It would create odd and unpredictable patterns and alterations to its font. As a material to cast type in, glass is as far opposite of metal as possible.
How long would the glass type last? How many prints could be made prior to it breaking? How would it break during printing? Would it be strong enough to withstand the pressure of a printing press?
Along with fabricating Glass–Cast Type I will also be creating hand–printed posters (using the Glass Type) that explores the words to describe females in published written works. Typically women are described using emotion based verbs, while men are described by their professional accomplishments.
She grinned, she laughed, she cried.
He directed, she performed, he designed.
Poster Design rotating to show difference in emphasis on both genders.
Copies of the hand–printed poster will include a manifesto of the project. A folded 4" x 16" square manifesto detailing the process of the project.
Project Progress:
I created 3D models of Type the type that will be in the poster. The 3D prints are a negative of what the Glass–Cast Type will actually be. From the negative 3D print a positive rubber piece will be created. From the rubber piece a plaster silica mold will be made. The plaster mold is what the glass will be cast into.
