Journal no. 3

i'm having problems finding 2 designers for this project:

Study two designers or artists who have work that relates.
The first person should be in practice now. The second person needs to be from history. They do not both need to be famous but you will need to find information and images to support and explain your thoughts.
You may find aesthetics, simple function or materials are the common elements that connect these people. The connections you make can be your explained opinion or written fact from a source.

Your study should may  explore
the use of materials
method of manufacture of items
signature elements of the designers/ artists
historical/cultural significance of the design/pieces of work
details significant to their work

have even more problems trying to find a research topic, thanks to the guest lecturer's talk today. :(

the guest lecturer worked with Silica Aerogel, which is a synthetic ultralight material. it's not a gel, it's a dry solid that's extremely light-weight.
he said it's 99% air, therefore 99% light - extremely strong and yet very brittle at same time.
NASA is using it to collect stardust. it's good for thermal insulation.
it's now out-dated by new strong+ultralight material that isn't brittle.

but the lecturer is an artist, so he is using aerogel to create clouds and sculptures that play with light.
this is his website - sky for sale. because he can create clouds, he is selling it in vials.
it's a funny concept, but also serious, because technology is so advanced now. and maybe in the future we won't have clouds anymore.

he's Greek, he studied in Paris and is now teaching in Perth. i like how he knows so much about Greek mythology and how he uses it in his conversations.