✹ West Dean rescidency #3
8th July 2021
On day 3 We have been assigned to this mini project of making engine fan from scratch, I’m paired with Ryan, the student from Chelsea. We tried to make fan that can spin from the loop string. The initial idea is to have 2 people pull the string from each end to make the fan works. Later once we tried experiment the principle, we found that it would give more force to pull the string from one side only. And here’s our fan.
Also, in the same workshop, we have learned how to turn the wood, as to make the handle of the fan, if we need one. This is also really exciting for me, It was such a meditative process, I have to be careful of how to move the tools and how much the wood has been carved out. Seeing and making the whole process is such a fascinating experience. I just know from this work shop that we can use the wood dust to smooth up the surface, or in another word ‘fill up the texture’
Then we got to see other course’s studio, musical instrument maker, clock maker, metal studio, weaving studio and a lot more. It’s a dream of every maker. West Dean is one of the college that still be accessible during covid time. The student live here like a boarding school so that it less likely to get the virus. And the studio is 24/7 accessible so that’s super convenient.
One evening we went to explore around the area, there is this weave like sculpture that I love, small gardens and tiny bridge that looks like it came from fairy tale. The glass house and apple field. I wish I can come back here again one day, must be a good excuse to take a break from the chaotic in London.