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Volcanic Cloud installation
In the later part of 2005 Human Dynamo was approached by Kay Hawkins of Story INc. The brief was to create a volcanic cloud billowing over the ceiling of the Auckland Memorial Museum, for a new permanent exhibition - Volcanos.
The Making of - A Volcanic Cloud
We started with a trip to Auckland to inspect the venue and consider the concept, access and mounting. Back in Wellington we compiled a folder of image references of volcanic eruptions, followed by concept drawings and sketches. When we ere happy with the design, a maquette or small model of the installation was undertaken. Consideration for mounting and part-lines as well as the total visual effect was worked though at this stage.
Once all parties were happy with this maquette a mould and moulding process duplicated it in resin. This was then cut up into individual pieces or clouds.
Using the maquette forms, full size profiles were welded in steel rod to form a lightweight metal frames.
In the clean workshop, thick white Dacron material was tack stitched to the metal frames. These were hosted to make room on the workshop floor.
The next layer of softer carded Dacron was applied. This produced a soft billowing white cloud that was strong but light weight. The clouds were then spay painted to resemble billowing volcanic ash and steam.
Once all the pieces were completed they were packed into a truck and freighted to Auckland Museum. Human Dynamo staff then completed the difficult installation. Mounting onto air-conditionaing ducts and a false ceiling so as not to damage the historic pillars and building.
Later a model valcano was built (not by Human Dynamo ) to complete the stunning effect of a volcanic eruption, spreading over the ceiling of the Auckland Museum.
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