Q2 Final Project Submission

For my my project, I created a three dimensional sculpture of an hourglass. The hourglass is made up plastic and cardboard and completely stands on its own. It’s complemented with a brown paint that gives the cardboard a wood-like aesthetic. I wanted this sculpture to communicate the idea that you do not have to be a skilled architect or professional to make something beautiful. I believe the greatest things can be made with the simplest tools. The hourglass also represents how fast time flies when we’re not paying attention. Time is always of the essence, so we must take advantage of every moment.

For my materials, I used two plastic water bottles for the “glass” portion of my hourglass and cut them in half to make a symmetrical encapsule. Once I cut them in half, I used saran wrap and tape to cover the the bottom and exterior of the bottles and give it a somewhat exquisite finish. I then carved a hole in each of the two caps to allow the sand-like material (sugar) to repeatedly pass through the bottles as much as necessary. I then used the hot glue gun to glue the two caps together to secure the bottles and prohibit any material from slipping out of the bottles. I then filled the bottles with the sugar and put each of caps on the bottles, and the hard part was over. Lastly, I cut two circles out of cardboard and glued them onto the top and bottom of the hourglass. This was meant to be the frame of the hourglass. I then painted the cardboard and the caps of the bottles and completed the hourglass.

The only similar work I can remember doing is a science project where I tapped two bottles together to show some type of chemical reaction. However, that project was nowhere near as extensive as this project. I was inspired by an artist by the name of Lorenzo Quinn who made a very impressive three dimensional sculpture. Here’s a link to his work: https://www.lorenzoquinn.com/sculptures/. While completing this project, I learned that is important to be efficient in the way that you secure any material inside the bottle to guarantee that is does not get out. Making this a priority will save you a lot of stress and make for a more impressive project. I also learned a lot the use of the hot glue gun throughout this project and the tip that is important to attach the glued material to its desired location quickly before the glue dries. I can honestly say I ran into this problem at least once.

In this work, I am most proud of the fact that I made an hourglass out nothing but household materials (and a glue gun). It made me feel like I really took advantage of my creativity and allowed my imagination to run wild. There’s honestly nothing I would change about this project because I feel as if I was given the freedom to make whatever I wanted. In conclusion, I learned to how to create something as complicated as a hourglass using affordable materials and the guidance of Ms. Hertz. This is project I would complete again if I had the opportunity, because of my fascination of building and the process that comes with it.