Embroidery Necklace(s)
One design of a series of embroidery necklaces. The necklaces are made of laser cut wood, hand-dyed silk/linen thread, bobbins, and stainless steel buttons. I promise to post more photos soon.
BE BOLD/Typographic Thaumatrope Pendant
I recently had a couple experimental pendants prototyped. This aluminum, laser etched pendant is comprised of simple horizontal and vertical strokes. When the pendant is spun, the message is revealed. Be bold. Many thanks to Sarah “Aich” AlFalah for modeling. © 2011 Cassie Hester
Dig Deep… when you enter Pollak
Dig Deep has been installed! If you’re ever in Richmond, Virginia, head on over to 325 North Harrison Street. The typographic installation is on the brick wall between the two main entrances facing the courtyard. In case you’re memory needs refreshing: Dig Deep is an outdoor typographic installation made of birch plywood, galvanized nails, plastic straws, white … Read more
In Summation :::::
What makes design extraordinary? An extraordinary design has the ability to transcend the material, subvert conventions, challenge perceptions, and garner convivial engagements with audiences, facilitating more active and reflective experiences. Download my 2011 candidacy review book (5.9 MB) for the culmination of my thoughts from the first year of graduate school.
Typographic Thaumatropes
Typographic study where the form is revealed through spinning/rapid revolutions. These are studies. The final piece would be an installation activated by wind. Want to see the message? Your experience relies on chance…
Alphabet Slide
The affordances of pushing and pulling were explored in this interface targeted directly at the creation of language. Each long strip of the alphabet could be pulled to either the left or the right to highlight one letterform in the simple frame. The interaction is quick and easy, so the interface garnered a lot of … Read more
Bead Interface
The affordances of pushing and pulling were explored in the creation of a one foot by five feet installation featuring beads strung on neon thread on a lateral grid. I relied on the tactile nature of the piece to encourage interaction. It was a success. The inhabitants of Pollack quickly began forming simple messages and … Read more
Reflected Light Sign/Installation
Two sheets of 4 ft by 8 ft birch plywood. 3 coats of high gloss white paint. 500 clear, plastic straws cut. 8,064 pilot holes drilled. 8,064 sequins and nails assembled on the grid. = One insanely time consuming and monotonous typographic sign/installation. Sign sequins are nailed one inch apart on a grid. Each sequin … Read more
Tab Installation
How are we encouraged to interact? A tab instructs us to fold or tear. A wall of lasercut tabs begs to be manipulated. I installed this piece on the third floor of Pollack on March 8th, around 5 PM. I did not pre-fold/-tear any of the tabs, nor did I leave any instructions with the … Read more
Gaming Interface Language
Appropriating Game Language, Chinese Checkers. 2011. 3′ × 3′. Birch plywood, glass marbles, + white paint. Simply constructed, the design provides a loose framework for interacting and creating messages/images. The affordance of arrangement was explored in a simple grid of drilled holes and the provision of colorful glass marbles. I relied on the familiarity of a … Read more
Triangular Tab Installation
The triangular tabs were also installed on the third floor of Pollack on March 8th. However, they were installed on the other side of the building. I also started the process of manipulation by forming a G. Progress on this installation was much slower than the rectangular tab installation. A few triangles would be bent … Read more
Versatile Accessory: Necklaces
Hand-dyed elastic, assorted hardware pieces, hair bands, + buttons. Simply and cheaply constructed necklaces that can be manipulated to become bands and straps for containing belongings or putting your hair back. Inspired by Monroe Park.
Interactive Study
How do we physically interact with graphic design? We are cued to arrange, write, twist, push, pull, fold, and tear… These simple geometric grids of tabs will be lasercut and installed on a large scale in various places in and around Richmond. The interaction with these pieces will be monitored and recorded.
Interactive Type Study
Very rough mock of an interactive typographic interface utilizing common materials and simple construction. Each strand of a horizontal grid would feature several accordion-folded alphabets. These paper (or wood) alphabets could be stretched and scrunched to create messages. This study is a foray into exploring physical interactive graphic design that is self-contained and -sustained (all … Read more
Interactive Type Study
One of my graduate school interests is design facilitating physical interaction. I’m especially interested in the idea of designer as tool/interface designer and audience as message-maker.
Reflected Light Typographic/Material Studies
(a) I love three dimensional/experimental typography. (b) I’m interested in subversive language. Perhaps I should begin this post with an admission. I adore sequin signs. One of the best things about being a baton twirler/dancer back in the day were the glittery, unrepentantly gaudy costumes. (I suppose it’s impossible to shake a life-long obsession with … Read more
Monroe Park ::: Scarf:Hood:Backpack
Monroe Park ::: Under Construction Circle Scarf | Hood | Backpack = SNOOD. Unisex, one size fits all. Gore-tex exterior, nylon mesh interior. This simple tube of fabric containing two casings at either end, is a scarf, waterproof hood, and water-resistant pack. During my first semester of graduate studies, I was asked by Professor John … Read more
Monroe Park ::: Sketches
Rapid ideation sketches inspired by Monroe Park. Incomplete — will update soon. Richmond’s oldest park and a prominent part of VCU’s Monroe Park Campus, Monroe Park has quite a long history and an uncertain future. Once a fair grounds, later a Civil War camp site, and now the center of controversy, the park has recently been approved … Read more
Interactive Installation/Project M Lab Signage 2008
My work in graduate school thus far has been centered around a few central themes: I am interested in the intersections of accessory and necessity, ornament and function, simplicity and complexity, and utility and versatility. I’m engaged in exploring the elevation of common materials through recycling, repurposing, and recontextualizing in order to reclaim our visual … Read more
