Wood Panel Cut out Experiments
09.06.2023
I have been experimenting with the idea of how to create wood panel cut outs to use as my substrate for this project. Using some scrap wood, the CNC machine that’s in our basement (more on that in a second), one trip to Home Depot, and the help of my wonderful husband I was able to get some great detail and clean cuts in these scaled down versions.
So here’s how it works… first, I thought about how the composition created in my study was going to be broken up into pieces. Second, I created a digital file of the section in Adobe Illustrator and saved it out as an SVG vector file. Next, I imported the vector file into the CNC machine software and set the depth of the material and scale so that the machine could determine a cutting path and it generates the time it will take to cut each piece! I used 3/4 inch thick wood for this experiment but I am thinking that 1/2 inch will work just fine due to the overlapping I want to play with in certain areas. Next, the machine goes to work to cut out the shapes. It took a few passes for it to cut all the way through the material and we learned that you have to have the correct router bit to cut this depth and this material, that’s where the trip to Home Depot came in! A quick aside, you might be wondering why we have a CNC and laser cutter machine in our basement… it was originally purchased last year when we started a little side business of making chunky chains for fans of various local sports teams, and as favors for other celebrations like birthdays, weddings, etc. Interested? Check it out here. Anyway, I think this will be the way I make my shapes. There is some slight limitations on scale (14 x 14 inches is about the largest our machine can cut) but I think I can make it work to create some really impactful pieces!
I also got an update on the search for an exhibition space today. The European Cultural Center likes my work and wants to discuss the possibility of exhibiting my work in their Personal Spaces exhibition during the 2024 Art Biennale!!! More to come on that, but I am so excited about the potential. Receiving a response less than 24 hours after reaching out blew my mind!
Just a reminder, you can support this project by donating to my GoFundMe campaign . I am offering lots of original works of art and prints to those who donate!
