Contemporary Geometric Beadwork
In this proposed piece, a pair of large polygonal wings unfold
behind and above the model as they walk the runway. The wings are a
human-scale expression of a disc that we discovered in beads
recently, a form so energetic that we named it the HyperDisc.
Hyperdiscs are many-sided -gons with open centers, and like
Hyperbolic Paraboloids, these discs have lots of warp and pop. Their
spines, like binary switches, can be easily tweaked to one position
or another and in that positioning the attitude of the piece is
formed. One can make ripples or a sharp zig-zag. These springy discs
are created by placing evenly stepped increases into a central ring.
Increase placements are geometrically designed to expand the edge
with built in creases, or fold lines. The structure is much like a
spiderweb, if a spiderweb could fold and pop. To expand the central
yoke of beadwork, the geometry is extended with flexible rods and
sheer fabric. The garment reveals itself slowly on the runway. When
fully folded it appears to be only a line, and then opens to a
cloak. When the model raises their arms, the pleats fly open fully
to reveal the 24-gon outline. This outline is the same topological
edge we use to cast new work from in the PodCast Bead, but the
elements are in a different arrangement. Lights, like thousands of
fireflies, come on when the wings are fully deployed. Note: This is
proposed work and will only be built if selected by the jury.