Our object a “piece of library mosaic“. It is the remaining brick from the former structure of Carleton’s Gould Library, and it was preserved as a mosaic after the building was renovated.
I’ve never realized how different it is to model an object compared to just viewing one in an exhibition—until I actually tried it in class this week. When I visit a museum, I usually just admire how beautiful an object is and think about its historical significance, but I rarely consider how it was made. Modeling an object turned out to be way more detailed than I expected. Taking 80 photos was just the start—we also had to think about lighting to make the model look as natural as possible. Basically, we had to adjust things we usually take for granted in everyday life, and it turned into a massive project that required a lot of care and attention.
I do believe that moving from a passive observer to an active modeler has changed my thinking process, especially when it comes to communicating about art and history to different audiences. As an observer, I might focus on an object’s visual elements, texture, and historical significance. But from a modeler’s perspective, I start thinking about how the object was made and the tremendous effort that went into bringing it to life. This, in turn, deepens my admiration for the skill and dedication of the artisans who created it. As a result, I also find myself more curious about the story behind the creation of each object. I wonder what specific challenges the artisans faced and what strategies they used to overcome them.
I really enjoyed this week’s classes—not just because they were interactive, but because, from a modeler’s perspective, I now have a more comprehensive understanding of what digital humanities truly mean.
2 thoughts on “Blog Week 5, modeling an object”
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I love how you describe the shift from just looking at an object to really understanding how it was made. The process of modeling seems like a great way to appreciate the craftsmanship behind historical artifacts. It’s cool how something as simple as adjusting lighting can change how we see things!
Hey Peter, I like the way that you describe how your thinking changed as you moved from a passive observer to an active modeler. It’s interesting how changing our perspective can help us engage in new ways of thinking. When modeling my object, I found myself thinking more about how the object was made, and why the designer made specific design choices. Many of the smaller details I would not have noticed if I was simply viewing the object!