Shop & Personal Projects

Machining

DILLO 50 CACTUS

Interactive Cactus Installation: Encouraging Reflection and Connection

Inspired by Dillo Day's 2022 "Return of the Rodeo" theme, I designed an interactive cactus installation that encouraged visitors to reflect on past experiences. The cactus body was created from beaded plywood panels, while 260 spines were cut from mixed-grain boards. Drilled holes in each spine allowed participants to insert notes about words or incidents that had stung them. This modular installation was assembled on-site and withstood wind and rain during the event.

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On-site assembly
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Initial sketch
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Spines cut on the vertical band saw before being sanded and drilled.
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Arms were fitted to their jigsawed inserts & heavier planks were placed directly beneath inserts for healthier weight distribution to allow placement of insertion points near the sculpture's center of gravity.
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Spray paint was applied in theme colors, with fluorescent coating placed on spines for nighttime visibility.
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Spines were applied using hot glue, as wood glue proved impractical.
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Spines fluoresce at night
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CROWDPLEASER

Collaborative Nightclub Popup with Immersive Experiences

As part of a team of undergraduate students, I contributed to a grant-funded nightclub popup installation led by Tyler Felson. My role included soldering LED strips, building wooden lighting frames, and learning about programming and projection mapping software. The installation featured audio-reactive lighting frames, infinity mirrors, and repurposed spaces for student DJs, VJs, and lounging. I also assisted with setup and maintenance throughout the event.