Savannah College of Art and Design's Powering Asia Responsibly Project
Students from the Savannah College of Art and Design have launched an art project named “Powering Asia Responsibly,” creating art pieces from retired electricity-regulating switchgears donated by CLP. Following the themes of sustainability and balance between the environment and energy production, the students had ten weeks to complete their projects. Alex Lee, Jen Paolini and Josh Pianpiano talk to Rosanna Chu about their artworks.
HK Magazine: How did you get the inspiration for your sculptures?
Jen Paolini: I began thinking about CLP’s message to the community about sustainability, then [about] the balance between energy and nature, which is represented in my piece through weaving, interlocking patterns.
Alex Lee: I wanted to show a balance between technology and nature. The switchgear represents technology and water [represents] nature. I want to show that, with proper planning, a balance can be struck between the two.
Josh Pianpiano: My design is based on corporate sustainability. We went to the Black Point Power Station, and my design is influenced by the big circuit diagram on the wall of the control room.
HK: Did you encounter any difficulties during the sculpture-making process?
Paolini: We did 3-D modeling on the computers. I do not major in sculpture, so I don’t know much about three-dimensionality; I had to learn [how to use] computer programs to manipulate what I wanted my sculpture to look like.
Lee: The biggest challenge I faced was coming up with the concept. I took a lot of time trying to formulate one that I was comfortable with. I got to this concept with water because I am really interested [in water] and I do a lot of water sports. So it’s not only an artistic demonstration [but has] more of a personal touch.
Pianpiano: The hardest part is the computer modeling. My lack of knowledge in computer programming was a limitation, but then we all got used to it and we knew how to display what we want.
HK: What was most memorable part of the project?
Paolini: We spent 10 weeks together in really close proximity. We worked together in the same room and got much closer. Even though we worked on separate sculptures, a lot of skills that we needed are universal. Some people lack technical computer skills and some are better at it, so we swapped knowledge.
Pianpiano: There was one week where we all stayed at school. For the whole week we didn’t go home! It didn’t feel like a school project [but] more like a job.
HK: What did you get out of the experience?
Lee: For most of us it was our biggest presentation ever; it was nerve-racking! We prepared all our slides and our material had to be of uniform standard so that it would go together.
The seven art pieces will be exhibited at the Pacific Place from June 22 to July 1.