This page contains more things I omitted from the studio PDF. Things that may have inspired me along the way or lost their relevance to the project as my focus became honed.
I was inspired to use folded and cut paper by a book I spotted in the museum of Tintagel Castle while visiting Cornwall. The book was behind glass and beautifully made.
The compass for navigation, photo taken on a trip to Bude.
Revising the hagstone booklet at the last minute. With five days to go I’m unsure if this will be included in the final design. I have added them to this page, so if I decide to omit them from the PDF, then they will still be included.
I have also added some words that I considered adding to the outside of the box, to explain what it is all about.
At this time, I was considering the purpose of my design and what it is for. I wrote descriptions and explanations to use on the outside of the box to help people understand its uses. However, eventually I decided against this. I am not particularly good with words and wanted to be more concise with my explanations so that the visual work would do the explaining.
What is it?
The orb was designed to celebrate the concept of superstition. To expose the hidden and break the taboo. This globe is a reminder that all is not always as it seems and that in times of uncertainty, our thought processes can turn to finding patterns and meaning in otherwise random occurrences. We seek reassurance in unusual places that life will once again be OK. The human mind can be awesome with creativity and destruction. Our world is not always straightforward; we instinctively seek comfort when we don’t know the outcome. Sometimes, we make connections that aren’t real to give back a sense of control when we feel a lack of direction and uncertainty. This pattern perception and making connections is the root of superstition.
What is it for?
It can be used alone or with friends.
Fold open the box to reveal the erroneous orb. This tactile ball needs to be picked up. Roll it around in your hands, gaze upon it, and enjoy playing with it.
What do you see hidden at sea? Can you spot a good luck charm, something out of place, a mythical creature hiding in plain sight, or just ocean currents and fish?
Make connections to your own life and situation, think about how you regard these patterns, and take time to reflect.
If you still feel uncertain, you can always ‘touch wood’ of the three-sided base to avoid a jinx.
This is not a definitive answer; do with it as you wish.
Mast Stepping
I thought about placing coins underneath the ball, much like Mast Stepping, where a coin is placed beneath the mast for safe passage to the underworld. Chocolate or pewter were possibilities that crossed my mind. I considered making a facsimile of a ‘Piece of Eight’ that I had seen in the Shipwreck museum. A piece of eight was 3.8cm in diameter. The salvaged Pieces of Eight at the Shipwreck Museum have been worn by touch and the sea. To fit something of this size underneath the ball would take a substantial amount of space.
