Celebrating local makers at The Edge for IWD

Many wonderful makers and designers visit The Edge at State Library of Queensland and for International Women's Day we're shining a light on two of our regulars.

Carolina and Serena are two of the makers that visit The Edge often and we interviewed them about some of their creative projects.

Carolina

What type of projects have you been working on at The Edge?

In 2019, I worked on a school project for my daughter, which involved creating a pinball machine. I used The Edge laser cutter to cut the game box and, with the help of a 3D printer, we created obstacles and balls.

In 2021, I worked on a project for a course in my master's program at the university. Using technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC routeing, I designed and developed a project called "UPSIDE down". The diorama reflected, from the artist's point of view, a world turned upside down due to the pandemic. I used a 3D printer to create some elements such as buildings and air balloons.

In 2021, I began developing the idea for a television program, and with the help of various experts at The Edge, I was able to execute the idea for my master's thesis project. In this project, I found very useful the electronic bench at The Edge plus the guide one of the staff provided in the area of stop motion animation.

 

Is there a recent project you're particularly proud of or would like to showcase?

Well in 2022, I embarked on a creative graduate project at Curtin University. My research question was centered around exploring how stop motion animation could be used to address COVID-19 news in a humorous way. The primary objective was to deliver a negative message or content to the audience while reducing its impact on them through the form or style of the animation.

To tackle this challenge, I utilised two methods: firstly, I researched the works of artists who have previously explored stop motion animation and video production in a similar vein. Secondly, I conducted experiments with materials, lighting, set design, camera angles, and more to refine the visual style of the animation.

This project served as a personal reflection of my cultural roots, which are characterised by a penchant for humour, theatrics, and dance. The three-minute video presentation features an opening dance routine by the host, followed by an interview segment, and concludes with an invitation for the audience to tune in to future episodes.

As a creative artist, I faced several challenges during the production process. For instance, the characters in the animation were not designed to articulate their mouths, so I had to incorporate masks and face coverings for many of them. Additionally, time constraints presented another challenge, which I overcame by using the number of frames per second to develop a distinct animation style.

 

How did you find out about The Edge?

One day, while walking with my daughter towards the museum, I saw a sign that read "THE EDGE" and decided to go in to see what it was about. The staff member at the library explained to me that they had a 3D printer, a laser cutter, and other workshops such as learning how to use Illustrator and Photoshop. Since I had recently participated in a Tinkercad course and had learned the basics, I saw this as an opportunity to practice and develop my own ideas and projects in this place.

 

What has been your recent inspiration for making and designing?

Phil Tippet, the director and producer behind "Mad God," an experimental adult horror film released on streaming platforms in June 2022, has been a huge inspiration to me. His dedication to bringing this film to life over the course of 30 years is truly remarkable, and he is an incredibly valuable and inspiring figure in the film industry. Phil is a committed team leader who has demonstrated a clear vision and executed his ideas brilliantly throughout his work. His example has shown me the importance of perseverance and the power of a clear, focused vision.

 

What does International Women’s Day mean for you?

To me as an artist the international women’s day can be a chance to use art to raise awareness about issues affecting women and to advocate for gender equality. This can involve creating pieces that speak to the experiences of women, highlighting the challenges they face, or promoting messages of empowerment and resistance.

 

Do you work in both digital design and fabrication?

Yes, I usually start my projects in 3D software such as Tinkercad and Blender, which I consider the first step in the creative process and design. I then move on to the next step of fabrication, in which I use manufacturing machines such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers.

Serena

Is there a recent project you're particularly proud of or would like to showcase? 

To-date most of my projects have been to support my beekeeping hobby. I've learned a range of skills and used digital design, fabrication tools such as a laser cutter, 3D-printing, woodwork tools, pattern-making skills, sewing machines and overlockers to complete them. My projects include making and attaching gauntlets to PVC gloves, making a drying stand for the gauntlet gloves and steel capped boots, keeping my heavy-duty bee suit in good order, making an acrylic sieve holder to use when extracting, making a base to be able to use a stand for both a 4-frame honey extractor and a frame steamer because of their different diameters and an access panels for a void above a fridge.

 

How did you find out about The Edge? 

I've been a member of SLQ for many years and one day in 2016 I chanced upon the FabLab at The Edge.

 

What has been your recent inspiration for making and designing? 

My focus is practical solutions and making things I can't buy.

 

What does International Women’s Day mean for you? 

To me, International Women’s Day is a celebration of diversity and inclusion.