Uncategorized – Digital Sculpture 1: Fabrication

Metaphorms Write-Up – Oluwasefunmi Oluwafemi

Working as an EMT has exposed me to profound and often traumatic moments—resuscitating a patient in front of their grieving family, clearing the airway of someone who had already slipped into rigor mortis, or administering CPR to elderly individuals during their final moments on Earth. These experiences, while difficult, have taught me to seek the good in every situation, a perspective rooted in the prayer my mother often recited: “God, we thank you for the lives of those who have passed.” For years, I didn’t fully understand this sentiment, but over time, I came to find meaning in it.

Last summer, I made a conscious effort to focus on gratitude, even amidst trials. Instead of dwelling on hardship, I sought to embrace joy intentionally, expressing it even when I “wasn’t feeling it.” This mindset grew through time spent in nature, where I felt an undeniable connection to God. The simplicity of walking among trees, observing the intricacies of creation, and meditating on life’s cycles brought me peace and perspective. I began to see nature as a reflection of myself—growing from pain, rooted in faith, and sustained by God’s grace.

This connection to nature inspired a piece of art I created: a head connected to an arm holding up a mushroom that grows from the hand. It reflects my journey of growth and gratitude. The mushroom symbolizes transformation and regeneration, thriving on decay yet bringing life. It reminds me of the lessons I’ve learned: that even in the face of trauma and death, there is room for healing, reflection, and gratitude.

One vivid experience stands out to me. On a call responding to a motor vehicle accident, the patient had been ejected from his vehicle. When I arrived, it was clear his body could no longer sustain life. His lips were blue, his eyes vacant, and his form was unrecognizable. As the physician pronounced him dead, I feared how this moment might affect me. But instead of succumbing to fear or grief, I prayed on the scene and found gratitude—for the privilege of comforting his family, for the courage of my team, and for the reminder that life, though fragile, is precious. This moment solidified my resolve to embrace every trial as an opportunity for growth.

Just as a mushroom thrives in challenging conditions, I have grown from the trials I’ve faced. The reflection I see in my art and in nature reminds me to remain rooted in faith and to continue expressing gratitude, even in the most difficult moments. Life’s challenges may seem insurmountable at times, but through God’s grace, I have learned to smile through the pain and grow stronger with each passing day

.Sketch brainstorm

Heart with cage around it (vein like)…fruits of the spirit symbolically are cross linked in the cage

Eating/stomping “fear”

Smiley skull (death)

Blank face with grim smile, holding mushroom smiling back in soil had

Tree of life; symbols of joy at top, rooted in fear

Face looking up at beams of light

Oluwasefunmi Oluwafemi – Transform Render (Metaphorms)

Oluwasefunmi Oluwafemi – Project 4 Final Render and CNC Cut

Project 4 Transformation-Kendall Zinn

Farhaj Project 4 Steps 1-3

I have chosen to work with the sculpture “Head of Saint John the Baptist on a Platter”, made from oak. This piece depicts the execution of Saint John by King Herod, symbolizing moral judgment and downfall. My distorted version connects this classical narrative to modern overindulgence and sin, particularly focusing on gluttony and consumerism.
I’ll transform the platter into a modern fast-food tray, overflowing with unhealthy temptations like burgers and fries. The eyes of Saint John will be morphed into donuts or burgers, while a burger will occupy the hole in his head, representing the modern obsession with consumption.
I will subtly add meatballs intertwined with the hair to maintain the original essence while linking it to food. This distortion emphasizes the themes of overindulgence, sins of modern consumption, and the harmful effects of excessive desire in today’s society.

Case Sylvester – Step #2 Project #4

Direct, Literal Depiction

I have chosen to work with the sculpture Deux chiens de meute à l’attache, which depicts two dogs, which appear to be hunting dogs, restrained by leashes. The dogs are positioned in a lifelike manner, showcasing their muscular forms and alert expressions. They are both tied down and held back by a tree stump or root. The male dog is on all four legs standing tall and alert, while the female is sitting beside the male more reserved.

Denotation

In my opinion, the sculpture seems to represent the relationship between humans and animals, specifically the role of dogs in hunting and companionship. It signifies the loyalty and obedience of dogs, as well as their importance in human activities, particularly in hunting contexts. As I take into account the postures of the hounds, I also think that this sculpture signifies the idea that dogs are generally curious and protective.

Connotations

The dogs carry connotations of companionship, loyalty, and service. They evoke thoughts of the bond between humans and animals, as they suggest themes of protection. I also think the restrained aspect of the sculpture might represent the tensions between freedom and domestication. The dogs are literally being held back by a more powerful creature and don’t appear to be free. This piece also reminds me of hunting and hunting dogs, as typically dogs are used to help find animals that are being hunted and are held back until the animal is killed so that they can then be released to fetch it.

Relationship of Distortion

In my distorted version of the sculpture, I want to explore the duality of companionship or freedom, with confinement.

Type of Distortion

I really want to exaggerate the dogs’ forms, maybe by stretching and twisting their bodies and creating an almost surreal representation. This distortion will suggest a tension between their natural instincts and the constraints imposed by humans. I may also want to play with cage editing. Overall, I want to exaggerate and expand on their struggle and anxiousness when being constrained by humans…maybe by even exaggerating their eyes and facial expressions.

Oluwasefunmi Oluwafemi – Project 4 (Write Up)

Thorn Carving – Pounding Grain

What does Pounding Grain depict in a direct, literal sense?

This sculpture depicts a Nigerian woman using a mortar and pestle to pound food, likely grain, for consumption. The image is a representation of an everyday activity that holds deep cultural meaning, as it highlights the woman’s role in food preparation.

What does Pounding Grain denote?

The sculpture symbolizes the value of sacrifice in Nigerian culture, particularly the role of women in supporting their families. The woman’s act of pounding grain is not just about preparing food—it represents her dedication and the sacrifices made to ensure the well-being of her household.

What connotations does Pounding Grain carry — what undertones or associations?

The mortar and pestle evoke personal memories of my childhood, reminding me of my mother’s connection to her homeland. When she received a mortar and pestle from our village, it helped her feel grounded. Watching her prepare meals and later learning to use the tool myself created a lasting sense of cultural continuity.

How do you want your distorted version of this sculpture to relate to the literal, denotative, and connotative ideas you’ve outlined above? Are there any particular ideas you want to explore or resist in your distorted version of the sculpture?

I want the distorted version to emphasize the nostalgia of learning these traditions from my mother and reflect the communal values embedded in this act. It will tie to the themes of sacrifice, cultural preservation, and community.

Please describe the type of distortion you’ll use and explain its conceptual significance.

I plan to add images or symbols of children to represent the passing down of cultural practices. This distortion will explore how these traditions are preserved across generations, emphasizing the cultural continuity I hope to maintain for my future children.