Kate O'Flynn
Kate’s final project is a biomechanical respirator mask, where instead of respirators there are organic creatures acting as plants. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where plants have taken over and the air is toxic. The only way you can breathe is through this respirator mask, where these organisms filter the air to give you oxygen.
The mask itself has a metallic finish to it, contrasting heavily with the bright organisms surrounding it. The mask is alive! It's roots are wrapped around you for stability and for movement of oxygen around the mask. You need this mask to survive!
Design: To create a unique and visually appealing post-apocalyptic respirator mask, but the respirators are organic creature like plants. The aim was that this hero prop could be worn and could be removed. The aim was to create a design that combines hard edge modelmaking with organic modelmaking.
Fabrication: Be able to use multiple modelmaking techniques, e.g. moulding, casting, sculpting, and 3D printing to help in fabricating the prop.
Functionality: The organic elements will have a degree of subtle movement to indicate respiration is taking place
Finish: Apply a realistic, machined metallic finish to the outer layer of the mask. The organic respirator organisms will also have a realistic finish too, but will be more vibrant than the mask, helping it have a bigger contrast between the hard edge modelmaking and organic modelmaking.
Design: The post-apocalyptic mask achieved a visually appealing design, with a strong contrast between hard edge modeling and organic modelmaking. The hero prop can be worn and easily removed.
Fabrication:
The mask was made by vac-forming a buck. This buck was made from MDF that was shaped around my face.
The organic respirators were sculpted from chevant and then moulded with plaster. These moulds were then cast with 0035 Fast silicone. This silcione was very durable and stretchy, which helped the mechanism to work.
Functionality: The organic elements achieved the subtle movement which added to realism of the prop.
Finish: The outer layer of the mask achieved a realistic machine metallic look. The organic respirators have a high-quality finish including texture, texture depth, and colour variation. The colours for each respirator were inspired by heat thermal colour’s and peacock feathers.
Kate is a final year Modelmaking student in Design for Film. She is based in County Wicklow. Kate has a major interest in handheld props, organic sculpture, painting and detailing. Kate's final-year project is a biomechanical respirator mask, set in a post-apocalyptic world where plants have taken over, and the air is too toxic to breathe.
