Reflection: Toil and Joy.

 

Reflection: Toil and Joy.

During this process I have learned how to earth a Pick Axe and connect all the wires together in order to make the light bulb function. I have also learned to keep developing the idea to try and solve the problems which may occur before the actual build so there are less un-expected problems. Good planning makes for a more successful conclusion. The Primary Research in Newcastle at the Biscuit Factory opened up new ideas such as using ceramics in the design of my final piece. The process during the design and making was about net working with people in order to learn how to fit an earth wire or even just sales assistants from B&Q advising on which tools and products to select in order to make this final functional light.

I was committed throughout the process and gave my ideas to team members when they needed help and I believe I was a good team player. The understanding and structure of working together in a team was fantastic as we all listened to each other and had a very strong theme of Toil and Joy. I have developed my skills in electrics, ensuring it passed all health and safety requirements. I would like to improve by making a series of lights that are functional and can be sold to the public in the future. I would like to explore working with different materials and develop more ideas throughout the process and learn how different materials may or may not compliment each other. I will help achieve this having a good range of ideas with a wide selection of drawings depicting thoughts and intentions, a goal would be in the region of approximately x30 drawings to help finalise the end product.

During the process of making everything flowed smoothly and no mistakes were made. The choices of materials represented Bradford Pit for example, the plaster was a grey/black which was shown as coal and the dark wood represented inside the dark mine, giving the mood of foreboding darkness, yet solid construction. Without the industrial bulb it would not have the same character or professional finish. The lead represented the sliver which can be found in mines. The level of interrogation needed in order to find out how to connect the wiring was the correct amount as it was a successful process at the first attempt. All the wires connected safely using a small screw driver which was bought from Wilko in Manchester.

Communicating in a team was very important so all our products and designs have a link with Toil and Joy. As a group we showed understanding of each other’s designs and helped each other to solve problems. The key motivation in this unit was about making something that is functional which shows the memories of the Bradford Pit. The light was one of the main ideas because I wanted to communicate that the miners who used pick axes to dig for coal also needed light in order to see and the coal generates light creating a cycle of process.

Displaying the light in the exhibition is complimented by the two black plaster blocks used as a background feature representing the coal face. The light shines through the blocks giving a sense of hope and freedom for the hard working miners.

 My future ambitions would be to learn how to make different wood joints in the Wood Work Shop and continue making bespoke products, using recycled materials where possible. Making functional working products that could be sold in the near future is a key aim. The project was successful, individually and as a team member. A Three Dimensional functional Electric Light was made.