PRIMARY TOOLS & MATERIALS:
SCISSORS, 3D PEN

Additional Tools & Materials: inkjet printer, paper

This study is inspired by Keetra Dean Dixon, who creates incredible design and typography using emergent technology in unexpected ways. For this letter, I had planned to construct a geometric, faceted, three dimensional letter from individual triangles drawn with the 3D pen. The 3D pen, however - refused to cooperate, so instead I used the incredibly imperfect plastic shapes to interact with the simple block L. 

I first created a paper template to use when drawing my shapes. Previous experience with the 3D pen had taught me that it's difficult to get straight, smooth lines, but it's a bit easier when you have a pattern to follow. I also used this opportunity to practice drawing shapes - a lot of shapes. I had hoped that repeated practice would start to yield beautiful, crisp triangles, but no such luck. 

Keetra Dean Dixon likes to experiment using what she calls "tool breaking." To me, this 3D pen is already a little broken; it doesn't really do what I feel it should be able to do. Regardless, it's a fun tool to play with, and believe it or not, these are some of the cleanest lines I've been able to make with it so far.