Class Project #2

Sketching

Foamboard prototype

Finished piece- legs folded

Finished piece- front

Finished piece- side

My basic idea for this project was to create something that could be functional but still aesthetically pleasing. By constructing the table so that the legs fold underneath and are concealed when viewed from the side, the aesthetics increased greatly. The decision to make the sides one complete piece of wood rather than multiple pieces joined to the main horizontal board was another idea that really helped this piece look more complete and professional.

For this piece, I wanted the viewer to focus more on the functionality of the piece rather than be distracted by lavish decorations. The choice to leave the tray bare of handles or carvings helps viewer focus instantly on the piece itself as a whole. The choice of wood for this artwork was also dependent on the functionality of the tray. By going with a lighter yet sturdier plywood board, the piece can be actually used as a tray and still be light and mobile enough for a single person to manage. The construction of the legs also allows the piece to be placed in different positions. Tucking the legs underneath the main board allows for easy storage and makes carrying the tray much easier.

I learned a lot of the difficulties of handling wood in this project. The need for precise measurements was an extreme difficulty for me, as well as the assembling of the pieces themselves. If I were to redo this project, I would spend much more time measuring pieces and making certain that I took the patience and time to cut each piece of wood to the proper length so that there were no gaps between the boards. I would also find some way to make certain that the legs matched up perfectly and the dowels were evenly aligned so that the tray didn't have the slight wobble that it has now. Finally, I would have added color or wood stain to the piece to really make it have more of a finished feel to it. In spite of the few flaws, I'm pleased with the work that I managed to do and for constructing a tray that looks nearly professional with minimal damage and cuts to myself.