From the shadow photos it was clear that either they or the models must move, moving the models seemed easier so I embarked upon making my machine.

Now we are on the home strech to the degree show and if one has time to think the only rational response is deep-down-where-it-really-counts panic and stress.

Having shown the tank rubbing the question was – where next? As usual I was bereft, idealess.  So, perhaps,  make a textile tank, full sized? In which case, one place to start is by making models of the sorts of structure which might support the floppy tank. They could all match or all be different; such things as church towers, houses, classcal columns, pylon-like structures…

Naturally the models got a life of their own and seemed likely to cast interesting shadows.

Shadow of a Tank

But then it seemed the tank had been overtaken; the models could stand alone.

Their first outing was spread on the floor. Separate, dispersed, gray models on a gray floor.

Models on the floor 1

Models on the floor 2

The mouse’s eye view of the models was quite compelling, and not visible to human viewers who merely had to try not to step on the art.

Stenciled prints based on the photos translated the tiny into large.

Spray paint stencil 'print'

Spray paint stencil 'print'

After the shadowphotographing it was obvious that either they or the models had to move. Moving the models seemed easier, thus I ermbarked upon making my machine.