Project Proposal
Presented to James Morgan
on behalf of Art 107 : Advanced Projects in Digital Media
by Nichole Rosa Weirich
Digital Media Art Concentration
March 6, 2011
 

 
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“FENCE”
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PROJECT PROPOSAL
I. BACKGROUND
II. CONCEPT
III. MATERIALS & PROCESS
IV. SPECS
V. CONSTRUCTION
VI. PLACEMENT
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Begin.
I. BACKGROUND
In the process of discovering the meaning of my upcoming BFA Show (can be found at
nichobfasjsu2010.blogspot.com), I have done a lot of reflecting on the work I have created in the past. I have
realized that it is one thing to create a work, and then it is the other to actual think about why. The reasons
for creating work can be premeditated, but also spontaneous- spontaneity dictates my work. I begin with a
simple concept, and then it is in the field, and in the process to a finished piece where it’s life occurs.
As I mentioned, I had been looking back on my work- more at the simple photography that has served as
my sketchbook for ideas. A camera is so instantaneous, and with the realm of work I am interested in
creating these days, being video and installation pieces, I find a camera a quick, yet intriguing way, to
document inspiration. My tool of choice is a Lomography Fisheye camera. This camera uses film, so it is
not as instantaneous as the convenient digital camera, but the way in which an image is spontaneously
constructed within the camera excites me, and makes me become more involved in the content within the
viewfinder.
Subject matter has a wide range for the most part, but at the same time I find myself photographing
subjects with certain commonalities. For instance, portraits are reoccurring in my photography, as well as
intimate views of fences. This fence fascination is one I had never picked up on before, but realized it is an
interest of mine. This fascination has fueled an idea for my proposed project.
Below you will find images of fence fascination – intimate, obstructive, perceptual views.

      
      
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II. CONCEPT
The concept of this project roots from the ideas contributing to my BFA show. These ideas revolve
around nostalgia, and the ability to be confronted with imagery that may take you to a mental state you
may have yet to experience. The fence is something that many of us can make associations with. It may be
a purely domestic ideology, or even represent a barrier to the outside world- possibly even a “safety
blanket” guarding you from what is beyond. As humans we put up fences and other barricades in attempt
to segment land, or keep trespassers out. Is it really about property? Is it about comfort? Does a fence
really make you feel safe? Content? The presence of a fence begs us to ask ourselves what is on the other
side. It triggers curiosity and ambiguity.
The fences humans have created tell a story. This story is unintentional, but naturally occurring. Your
surroundings are embedded into your brain, whether you like it or not. It is our way of remembering
where we live, or where things go, or where to go. One we may not be aware of, especially when
concerning fences you are not aware of (which is a multitude), but on a personal level, you may be fairly
acquainted with the fences in your immediate life.
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III. MATERIALS & PROCESS
To take advantage of my membership at TechShop, I will be using the laser and the plasma cutter to create
this piece. The fence I will create is made of wood, just like many fences are, and contain metal appliqués,
which will be applied later in the process of finishing the work. The fence may contain appliqués as well,
engraved into the wood, relating to the imagery being used for my BFA show (please refer to blog). I have
considered using words on the fence as well, to be etched into the wood, so when constructed can be read,
though there may be separations where the wood joins together. These words will be ones of
characterization of nostalgia from a subjective view. Keep in mind, that even though I have stated that
this piece is subjective, the imagery is broad enough, to lend to the likes of the viewers. The intent is to
strike an idea in the viewer, as they are confronted with the imagery to their own likeness.
The fence will be created with CNC tools, as well as tactile processes such a nailing and drilling, etc. The
fence will not stand too tall, imagining it to be no taller than three feet tall. I may have to restrict the size
of the fence height to the maximum size the laser can hold, being 32 inches, nearing just less than three
feet.
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IV. SPECS
The fence will reside inside the installation, serving as a barricade between the hanging cyanotype
monograms, and the viewer. Thinking about the feel of the monograms, as they will hang from the top of
the ceiling to the bottom, and being blue in color, give a sense of an animated sky. The cliché ideology of
seeing shapes and images in the clouds will be transferred to the space through the hanging monograms.
The space will have certain elements of reality, such as the fence, honing a domestic sense, yet infused with
a sense of fantasy. Comparative to a life-size diorama, elements will be used together to create a mood,
theme, etc. The life-size aspect is important to the piece, in that the viewers must feel part of the space and
become a part of it themselves.
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V. CONSTRUCTION
The construction process will involve the creation of an actual fence. I have debated on whether I will buy
pre-cut stakes, or cut the stakes myself. I feel that I will likely create my own stakes for the fence. Knowing
that the black gallery is approximately 8 feet wide, I will base my pieces on that.
Width of the stakes :
19 feet = 156 inches, if the stakes are approximately 4 inches each then I will need 39 stakes.
At 4 inches each, and with a bed laser at 32 x 18, I will be able to fit only 4 pieces in the bed at a time. I
can either etch a 32 x 16 piece of wood, and then cut it down into 4 pieces, or do the opposite, which is
cut it down first, and then etch it. We will see what will become better for the finalized image. The image
will have to be segmented for different jobs. I will have to create a 156 x 32 piece in Illustrator, and then
cut it down into segments according to the bed size of the laser. 

 
I need to find wood that is at lease 32” on one side, and the bigger the better on the other.

Height of the stakes :

In accordance to the laser size, I will have to restrict the height to 32 inches. Depending on the wood I can
find, I may have to go slightly smaller, but not by much or the fence will be too short.

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VI. PLACEMENT
The fence will be placed running across the width of the gallery as you peer into it. it will be constructed to
stand on its own.
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NICHOLE ROSA WEIRICH
WEIRICHNR@YAHOO.COM
WWW.NICHOLEROSA.BLOGSPOT.COM
ADDRESS: 601 S. 5TH ST. APT. 8, SAN JOSE, CA 95112 – PHONE: 805 268 0534

EDUCATION
2009- San Jose State University, BFA Digital Media Arts (in progress), San Jose, CA.
2005-2009 Allan Hancock College, AA Transfer Studies in Art & Design, Santa Maria, CA.

EXHIBITIONS / PROJECTS
2011/TBA Bachelor in Fine Arts - Digital Media, Show at SJSU,CA.
2011/Mar7-10 “Lola & Mom”, laser etched multimedia diptych, SxM (Sculpture & Experimental Media)
Guild Show, Black Gallery at SJSU,CA.
2010/Dec BLISSFINITY PHARMATOPIA for South First Fridays, SEM [Sculpture Experimental
Media] collaborative “mobile” interactive installation, San Jose, CA.
2010/May “mini-molecule” LED/multimedia sculpture, Herbert Sanders Gallery at SJSU, CA.
2009/Dec “Glasshead” experimental video/digital, Herbert Sanders Gallery at SJSU, CA.
2009/Feb “s/p” ink on painters paper, Anne Foxworthy Gallery, Santa Maria,CA.
2008/Sept “Edges” ceramic slab sculpture, Anne Foxworthy Gallery, Santa Maria, CA.
2008/Aug “Merrrh” and “The Olden Days” Cyanotype & Vandyke prints on multicolored
paper/multimedia, Sheppard Hall Gallery, Santa Maria, CA.
2008/April My Colors a collection of Cyanotype and Vandyke prints on multicolored paper,
Allan Hancock College Fine Arts Lobby Gallery, Santa Maria, CA.

CURRICULAR IN ART/AWARDS
2010- Krowswork Gallery Intern, advised by Jasmine Moorhead, Oakland,CA.
2010- Sculpture & Experimental Media Guild member, SJSU,CA.
2010- ICA [Institute of Contemporary Art] Volunteer, San Jose, CA.
2010/Dec Research work for Shona Kitchen [shonakitchen.com], San Jose,CA.
2010/Sept 01SJ, Zero1 Art and Technology Festival, Volunteer, San Jose, CA.
2010/May Lightning in a Bottle (art & music festival), Volunteer for Lightning in a Paintcan,Orange
County, CA.
2009- Deans List at San Jose State University, CA.
2008/Nov Guest Lecturer for Art Decal course, Cyanotype Sun Printing Experimentation
leading an intro. class through the possibilities of Cyanotype, UC Berkeley, CA.

MEDIA AFFILIATIONS/REPRESENTATION
Youtube.com – weirichnr / Vimeo.com – Nichole Rosa