Experiment 5 - Diorama/depth

Because I had enjoyed the process of papercutting and the effect I achieved with it, I decided I wanted to try and further my paper experiments by creating depth using layers of paper in a diorama.

Diorama dictionary definition: "A model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit".

Instead of creating a 3D object which I could then put in a space, I decided to make something which has it's 'own' space.

Sally Taylor, 2013. First Diorama 

I used a website tutorial (link in my Bibliography) to create my first diorama. After I had made it (and tried out an incredibly simple bird-cut out of the month of October from my FMP) I realized it was too small (11x14cm) for me to create much detail in my layers.

Sally Taylor, 2013. Second Diorama

Using the same tutorial for my first Diorama, but increasing the size to A4 (21x29.7cm) I created a second diorama, knowing this would give me more space to play around with. The first simple experiment I did was to put the February papercut into my Diorama with a coloured sheet behind. Even with just a coloured piece of paper behind it, the papercut was given a second 'dimension' by the shadows cast onto the background layer. 

Sally Taylor, 2013. March - FMP

For my next experiment (and for sake of time) I took one of my finished images (above) from my Final Major Project (that had a more obvious field of depth) which could be turned into layers in my Diorama.

Sally Taylor, 2013, layer 1

Sally Taylor, 2013, layer 2

Sally Taylor, 2013, march diorama

Before creating my second diorama, I researched some Diorama artists, and how they used compositions, cutting skills etc. to create their scenes. One of these artists was Lizzie Thomas. "I use 2D to create 3D by introducing layering..." - http://lizziethomas.co.uk/?page_id=2 Lizzie had created a very simple diorama, which she then back-lit to create a shadow Diorama.

Lizzie Thomas, year unknown. The Blue Fox.

Lizzie Thomas, year unknown. The Blue Fox.

I enjoy the simplicity of shadow shapes, so decided to try it with my own diorama. I think the effect would have worked better if the first layer (grass) had also been cut from white paper, which may has caused a better 'merging' together of layers.

Sally Taylor, 2013, shadow diorama

After my first initial experiment with basic layering elements, I decided to research composition, perspective, and foreground, middleground, and background before creating new imagery. I had never read about composition theory before, and it was interesting to learn about 'The Golden Mean' and how images should be spaced to 'let the eye travel'. 

While researching these general theories, I also came across colour theory, and how on a white background, dark colours appear closer, and how the opposite applies on a black background. 

Colour depth chart - http://www.zevendesign.com/1655/blog/creating-depth-art-photography/#depthsolidity

For my next Diorama, I decided I wanted to create an original image. I started by creating very rough thumb-nailing (taking inspiration for bird photography) for a variety of simple compositions which I could then add depth to.

Sally Taylor, 2013, rough compositions

After deciding on a composition to create, I drew it larger in pencil, making sure it was big enough for my Diorama.

Sally Taylor, 2013, composition rough

I then scanned the image and printed it onto the different layers using my home printer.

Coloured paper pile!

As mentioned earlier when I was researching colour theory, I decided to use different coloured backgrounds to test if what was mentioned was true - that lighter colours appear further away on a lighter background. I find that the top image (purple) brings the background 'closer', as does the blue background, while the yellow gives the better impression of looking 'into' the image. 

'An exploration into the variety of depth possible through the layering of paper using a diorama' could have very easily made up the entirety of my Research Project. Because I came into the idea of Dioramas and paper layering very late in my project development, I didn't get to experiment as much as I would have liked.

Even though I had only just began to experiment with layering before I had to move on to another experiment, it was fun to put all the finished layers into the Diorama and see the finished item. I found it much easier to think of the layers as separate pieces, than one finished images with pieces behind and in front of each other.

Even though I only used a total of three layers in my Diorama(s) I was surprised at the effect of depth that could be created, both using coloured and neutral layers. It was also an interesting experiment to see how 2D could become 3D, though if I had had more time, or if I could do the experiment again, I would have liked to have added more layers, and to see how much that effected the 3D effect. 

Although this experiment was about the relationship between 2D and 3D (2D becoming 3D) I would have also liked to have linked it more to my 'facet' technique, by creating more shadow Dioramas (as I felt this 'unified' the image) and to create larger Dioramas.

I also felt I could have trialed more of the technicalities of colour that I had read about. I didn't do enough combinations of order, colour and composition, though I understand that these are very large fields of experimentation - it wouldn't be possible for me to try all of the variations, even if I was restricted by being only able to create my work for my Diorama.