Overview
For this artisanal proficiency project, I integrated precision elements and tools to make a melting clock inspired by Dali's The Persistence of Memory. Topological map data is engraved in each layer of the interior. The artisanal work includes resin art and the refinement of laser-cut wood layers.
The Design
The main design is inspired by the melting clock in Dali's painting. I created an Illustrator design where each layer is a brightly different color to visualize wood stacking. The melting effect was created using the Warp Tool in Illustrator, with layers progressively thinning to emulate terrain. A topological SVG of a chosen location was boolean-operated with the background plate and set as a score for each layer during laser cutting.
Stacking & Gluing
Layers were assembled with Loctite Super Glue to give the resin something solid to hold. Keeping the open-corner design ended up being more visually interesting from the side.
Resin
Edges were sealed with UV resin to create a closed container. Clear, dark blue, light blue, and white resin layers emulate the feeling of a river in the center. Gold and copper flakes were added as accents in the terrain corners.
Full tutorial: Instructables