The outcome that I have created is a visual representation of the planetary systems within our solar system. Using NFC, the piece becomes interactive and engages with the viewer far more than if they were to just observe it for its aesthetic. I wanted the piece to be of an educational value and teach its viewer about the moons and planets of our solar system, not only for its characteristics but to gain a sense of scale as well.
In total I created 14 pieces that comprise of a pewter casted bottom, 3D printed top and a compartment for an NFC chip as well as containing ball bearings. Each aspect of the piece is in relation to its context and, although metaphorical, each aspect has been designed to reflect its value.
The black paint used was developed by NASA to reduce the reflection within their telescopes and is representative of the dark outer space within my piece. The gold accents on the piece represent the moons of the solar system with each line representing one or more moons. I chose the gold colour not only because it complements the piece but because it represents the value that space hold to me. I feel that without outer space or knowledge of its existence, the world would offer no context for its existence and many questions would have gone unanswered. The pewter inlay within the top section of the piece is representative of the 9 major planets with 9 concentric lines forming its design. The inlay also helps to add weight to the top section and to hold the NFC tag in place. The bottom pewter section is there to add weight to the piece as well as stability as I didn’t want the pieces to move under vibration. I also wanted the pieces to be as tactile as possible so by adding weight it injuries people to pick it up and touch it. The ball bearings with the piece act as a sensory experience and are representative of the number of moons orbiting that planet. They are also in size order as I wanted to show the variation in size between each moon.
Aaron J Davies 