BETWEEN LIGHT AND SHADOW

Exhibition | Eva G. Farris Gallery - Thomas More University

By bringing nature indoors,

it reminds us of the connection we have with the world around us. As humans, we are naturally drawn to nature's patterns, finding balance and a sense of tranquility. Exposure to these natural patterns can result in calmness and reduced stress, which is why my exhibition embodies this sense of peace of those who walk through. I allow the light from my pieces to overlap and intertwine, representing the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world, and the relationship we share with our environment, even within the confines of indoor spaces.

These works represent my personal journey and perspective on the natural world and has allowed me to create works that represent an appreciation for the beauty and complicity with our environment. It encourages viewers to take a closer look between the light and shadow and foster a greater sense of appreciation for the natural world around us.

Laser Cutting - Wood

Each piece is crafted from either a single gourd or multiple wood components interconnected to one another, allowing the light to pass through the material, casting shadows as a result. Although all of my designs are inspired by nature, they are each unique in the way they interpret natural forms and characteristics.

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The Process

For the laser-cut pieces, I began by designing everything digitally. I used Adobe Illustrator to lay out each component and determine where I wanted the laser to cut. I had to consider the placement of the open areas, how the light would reflect thro

For the laser-cut pieces, I began by designing everything digitally. I used Adobe Illustrator to lay out each component and determine where I wanted the laser to cut. I had to consider the placement of the open areas, how the light would reflect through them, and ensure that all measurements were accurate so the pieces would fit together precisely.

One of the biggest initial challenges was simply figuring out where I could access a laser cutter. I did a lot of research, exploring companies online that offered cutting services and comparing pricing, which, to say the least, was extensive. Fortun

One of the biggest initial challenges was simply figuring out where I could access a laser cutter. I did a lot of research, exploring companies online that offered cutting services and comparing pricing, which, to say the least, was extensive. Fortunately, I discovered that my local library had a laser cutter available to use completely free of charge. After scheduling an appointment and going through training, I was able to book regular sessions throughout the week. Although it was challenging at first to learn how the settings affected different materials and cuts, I quickly developed a new skill and saved a significant amount of money in the process.

Next came the assembly, which was my favorite part of the process because it’s when I finally got to see my vision come to life. I started by taping the wood pieces together and sanding the edges to ensure a smooth fit.

Next came the assembly, which was my favorite part of the process because it’s when I finally got to see my vision come to life. I started by taping the wood pieces together and sanding the edges to ensure a smooth fit.

Since I used thin, 0.8-inch wood, some of the pieces had warped slightly, which made assembly more difficult. When that happened, I either laser cut a replacement piece or found a way to work with what I had. In most cases, a combination of patience,

Since I used thin, 0.8-inch wood, some of the pieces had warped slightly, which made assembly more difficult. When that happened, I either laser cut a replacement piece or found a way to work with what I had. In most cases, a combination of patience, a generous amount of wood glue, and a few heavy books placed on top did the trick.

Before assembling the piece, I applied a dark wood stain to each component. This approach preserved the natural grain and markings of the wood while also helping to even out inconsistencies, such as burn marks from the laser cutter or surface scratch

Before assembling the piece, I applied a dark wood stain to each component. This approach preserved the natural grain and markings of the wood while also helping to even out inconsistencies, such as burn marks from the laser cutter or surface scratches.

To attach the pieces, I used a non-flammable, strong-hold adhesive specifically designed for wood. The glue required over 24 hours to fully cure, so once again, I relied on a stack of heavy books and clamps to keep everything in place during the dryi

To attach the pieces, I used a non-flammable, strong-hold adhesive specifically designed for wood. The glue required over 24 hours to fully cure, so once again, I relied on a stack of heavy books and clamps to keep everything in place during the drying process.

Handheld Dremel & Wood Burning - Natural Gourd

Each piece is crafted from either a single gourd or multiple wood components interconnected to one another, allowing the light to pass through the material, casting shadows as a result. Although all of my designs are inspired by nature, they are each unique in the way they interpret natural forms and characteristics.

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The Process

Before this project, I had no prior experience working with gourds, using a Dremel, wood burning, or laser cutting. But I had a vision, and I knew it would be a long learning process to achieve the results I wanted.

Before this project, I had no prior experience working with gourds, using a Dremel, wood burning, or laser cutting. But I had a vision, and I knew it would be a long learning process to achieve the results I wanted.

When dremeling, I worked in a dimly lit room with an LED light positioned on this inside of the gourd, which helped me assess what the final projection would look like. As I would later learn, this step is critical because if the holes aren’t precise

When dremeling, I worked in a dimly lit room with an LED light positioned on this inside of the gourd, which helped me assess what the final projection would look like. As I would later learn, this step is critical because if the holes aren’t precisely placed, the design won’t reflect accurately onto the surrounding surface.

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Once the dremeling was complete, I moved on to wood burning. I chose this method because I didn’t want to add material onto the gourds, but instead use the natural surface itself to create the design.

Once the dremeling was complete, I moved on to wood burning. I chose this method because I didn’t want to add material onto the gourds, but instead use the natural surface itself to create the design.

Once I was satisfied with the dremeling and wood burning, I moved on to the finishing touches, which included creating the top portion of the gourd.

Once I was satisfied with the dremeling and wood burning, I moved on to the finishing touches, which included creating the top portion of the gourd.

I used a circular wood piece wrapped in leather, sealed with rope, and added a hook for hanging. Inside each gourd, I built a fixture for the LED light and drilled a hole at the top for the cord. The bottom of each gourd was left open for bulb acces

I used a circular wood piece wrapped in leather, sealed with rope, and added a hook for hanging. Inside each gourd, I built a fixture for the LED light and drilled a hole at the top for the cord. The bottom of each gourd was left open for bulb access and ventilation. I chose small LED lights for their ability to clearly project designs while staying cool and safe for the materials and viewers.

This project pushed me to grow both creatively and technically.

I stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned new tools and materials I had never used before. Each design decision, from the natural materials to the placement of light and shadow, was made with purpose. One of the most rewarding parts was watching people interact with the work, noticing the details and engaging with the experience in their own way. I had the opportunity to present this work at the Emerging Artist Exhibition in Cincinnati, as well as display the full exhibition at the Eva G. Farris Art Gallery at Thomas More University. Between Light and Shadow became not only a reflection of the final pieces, but also of the process behind them. I also created the promotional graphics and materials, which helped bring the show together as a complete, cohesive experience. After the exhibition, I placed the pieces in the hands of friends, family, and supporters, and now they’re displayed in different homes and spaces, continuing to share light and connection beyond the gallery.