Constructing the Props

During our story Simon builds two inventions, a Hang-glider and a Boat. Conveniently, Leonardo da Vinci designed a flying device that greatly resembles a hang-glider. I took this invention and adapted it so it became possible for Simon to have built it using the resources of a tropical island. The hardest part was replacing the fabric with a viable source. Upon my research of palm trees I found that 2 main leaf types existed, a typical leaf shape but very large and a long twig with smaller leaves branching out.

Over-sized Leaves

Small, long leaves on stem

I explored both possibilities in the design but feel the that the normal leaf would be too delicate and the weaving of the other leave provides a stronger cloth. 

This image demonstrates how this method of palm leaf weaving is used in the modern world

Palm Tree Weaving

Next challenge was the boat. I read through H. Anna Suh's collected works of da Vinci's notebooks (Leonard's Notebook, Suh : 2009) to find inspiration but he never explored anything floatation wise. So I was challenged to create a device that would function but also had the finesse of a da Vinci invention. The boat in the story need only carry them across a lake and isn't needed for long time/ repeated use so logically only a raft would be needed but as a studio we felt it needed to be more elaborate without being a full on boat with bowed wood and flooring. Here are my sketches exploring the boat:

I tried different shapes but found a way the the two characters could build a conventional shape boat that would float. By interlocking the palm tree stems and cutting them to form a comb joint. This would be hard to make water tight so the addition of two buoyancy aids on either side keep it afloat. The sail will be made of the same weaved fabric from the hang-glider. I'll be making up a very simple model in maya to demonstrate the construction for my studio.

Comb Joint

Michelangelo and da Vinci

Now that the concept of the contrasting styles is set we began to look at the two artists we are using more closely. Both are very fascinating men and were high influential in the era and to future generations.

Michelangelo:

Born: 1475           Died: 1564

Michelangelo was an Italian artist who massively influenced the future of western art. He was a forerunner in the high renaissance movement and highly regarded in his own lifetime. One of his biographies, written by Giorgio Vasari, described him as the pinnacle of all artistic achievement since the beginning of the Renaissance. He learnt to paint under the apprenticeship of Dominico Ghirlandaio. He had many disciplines but is mostly known for his paintings and sculptures. Two of his most influential paintings are his fresco works in the Sistine Chapel, Rome.

Leonardo da Vinci:

Born: 1452           Died: 1519

Da Vinci was an Italian polymath, in that he had many creative disciplines, most of his studies were in the arts and sciences. In his own time he was something of a celebrity. His most known works as a painter include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He’s also renowned for his note books that hold his inventions (including a tank, helicopter and solar power) and his anatomical studies. He never published his scientific findings so they never contributed to the furthering of science.  

Influence Maps

We've taken our first steps in exploring the era visually. Here are the most significant images collected and divided into categories.

All Round Renaissance

Commedia Dell’Arte

Art

Ships and Explorers

C. 1400 - 1500 AD

Stuff That Happened...

-          Art changed in a big way. It became more about luxury and vanity then truth and documentation.

-          People began to be more individual. They looked to science for answers rather than the church/ religion.

-          Growing nations feel restricted by high taxation from Rome.

-          Architecture becomes extravagant.

-          Banks become public

-          Christopher Columbus discovers the Americas

-          Leonardo da Vinci is born and becomes a painter, sculptor, inventor, theorist and much more.

-          The Age of Discovery begins. The world becomes more connected as more places are discovered and explored.

-          The bridge between the middle ages and the modern era.