The Idea
In coming up with a concept for this project, I thought about other light-emitting objects that have left an impression on me. I recalled an eye lamp I saw in a Paul Schrader film (First Reformed) a few years ago. Here is a screen grab from the scene.
After some research, I discovered that it was designed by Nicola L., a French artist known for her anthropomorphic sculptures that fuse bodies with domestic objects (see some of her other works below).
I decided to create a plush night light version of this ocular standing lamp. The target audience is anyone who wants to add a touch of anthropomorphic surrealism to their space. When not in use (powered on), it can still serve as a decorative object that adds intrigue and personality to a desk, bathroom, shelf, etc. The current form has a handmade tactility that feels intentionally imperfect, the human touch very visible.
Materials
- Single Battery Pack
- 3 AAA Batteries
- 4 diffused white 3mm through-hole LEDs
- 4 100 Ohms (brown black brown) Resistors
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- 4 Ping Pong Balls
- Solder
- Wire
- Polyfill
- Embroidery Floss (blue, yellow)
- Fabric (mixed textures, yellow, white, dark blue, light blue)
Tools
- Soldering Iron
- Wire Snips
- Wire Strippers
- Sewing Needle
- Fabric Scissors
- Iron
Circuit Diagram
I used 4 100Ohm resistors in my circuit, based on our past workshop and talking with VFL staff (thank you to them!). When simulating on Tinkercad it looks as thought it is recommended that next time I use more powerful resistors to extend the LED life. I’m a little confused about this and would like to clarify prior to our next project.
Process
Before this project, I had experience with some textile arts (mostly cross-stitch), but did not have much practice in hand sewing. I think there is a lot of room for improvement there, as I did not get the ladder stitch right. I would like to learn more about patterns and tips on how to even out the seam allowance, etc. I would also like to eventually learn how to use the sewing machine and digital embroidery machine, but for this project, I wanted it to feel hand-done.
I took a bit of a risk and bought my fabric from FABSCRAP, a “one-stop textile reuse and recycling resource”. You can purchase themed (color, texture, material) bundles. I actually ended up happy with the fabric that I received, and while maybe it wasn’t the perfect fit for my project, I’m glad it gave me an excuse to give FABSCRAP a try.
I was pleasantly surprised that my soldering skills had improved since our first workshop. While I still find it difficult to solder the LED leg to the resistor, I think with more practice it will become easier.
If I had more time, I might have constructed a frame around my ping pong balls/LEDs to further control the light. I also would have liked to have used a more opaque fabric for the eyelid and outer eye, so the light was more concentrated in the eyeball space, and the contrast was more dramatic.
Here are a few images documenting the main steps in my process.
