This project is a work-in-progress, and is an assignment to explore a natural or scientific process/phenomenon. My initial idea was to build a small landscape on a wearable cuff that resembled the geometry that forms as permafrost begins to erode and change due to meltwater that sits on the surface of the ground. Thermokarst polygons and thermokarst lakes begin to form.

My initial design was planned as a fabrication from sheet silver. Unfortunately, I started with silver that was too thick and as I worked to fuse the polygons to the backplate, the silver of the backplate cracked. I should have started with a thinner gauge of fine silver then work quicker with heat so I wouldn't over heat the metal. 

Frustrated, I rethought my approach and the project entirely. I decided to demonstrate fluid dynamics by pouring melted wax to create a texture that resembled the hydrology of a river bed.

The second iteration of this design was created by poring hot wax and letting it flow onto a flat surface to create a texture similar to the hydrology of a riverbed. My intent was to then solder on small house forms along the landscape to suggest small villages. This piece cast very thick and soldering the houses was a challenge. I realize that it would have been best to carve the house forms in wax before casting.

During the finishing process a got as far as the what is shown above. At a point I realized I was working very far from my original idea and I didn't like where it was going. I decided to stop work on the piece and to order some sheets of jewelers wax so I could build the cuff with the precision I needed in the first wax.

This next time I want to ensure my wax stays thin and also incorporates as many of the design elements as possible to reduce fabrication time after casting.