Music & 3D Modeling: From James Brown to Architecture – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects *
Arts, Multi-Cultural Learning
Age Ranges *
11-14
Fab Tools *
CAD, 3D printer, 2D and 3D design software, laser cutter
Standards
Fab-Modeling.2, Fab-Fabrication.2, Fab-Design.2, 11-12.RH.2, 11-12.RH.9, 6-8.RH.3
Author
Nettrice Gaskins

Author

Nettrice Gaskins
Nettrice Gaskins
Other
Dr. Nettrice Gaskins has worked for several years in K-12 and post-secondary education, community media and technology before receiving a doctorate in Digital Media from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2014. She has focused on the application of cultural art… Read More

Summary

Black History Month recognizes the heritage, accomplishments, and culture of African Americans in the United States. In honor of this month, this project combines black music, 3D modeling and laser cutting, architecture and sculpture. Students will convert a music visualization (2D bitmap) into a three-dimensional model using Inkscape, Tinkercad 3D and Slicer for Fusion360 that is turned into an architectural model or sculpture. The inspiration for the project is rhythm and pattern: the music of James Brown and the traditional African American quilts from Gee’s Bend, Alabama.

 

Total time: 90 to 120 minutes

What You'll Need

Internet (for watching videos); projector/screen

 

For the image conversion part of the lesson:

 

For the 3D modeling part of the lesson:

 

For laser cutting and assembly:

  • Cardboard or ‘chipboard’ cut to the size of the laser cutter
  • Hot glue gun
  • Hot glue sticks

 

Lesson Materials

The Instructions

Learn about how rhythm played an important role in James Brown's music - 8 min

Expose students to the concepts of syncopation, rhythm and pattern through listening to Brown's music

 

Watch PBS “How James Brown Invented Funk”:

https://www.pbs.org/articles/2019/02/black-history-month-gets-off-to-a-funky-start-with-james-brown

 

After watching this episode, here is a key takeaway for discussion: JB let the rhythmic pattern drive his singing. How did he use rhythm in his music?

Learn about the rhythm patterns in Gee's Bend quilts and funk music - 10 min

Compare/contrast music visuals with traditional African American quilt making

Left: Quilt from Gee’s Bend, Alabama; Right: Music visual of James Brown’s “Cold Sweat”

 

Scholars such as James A. Snead and Maude Southwell-Wahlman have written about the improvisational nature of black music (i.e., jazz, funk, rhythm & blues) and African-American quilts that, more than any other American visual art, most fully visualize the expressive force of black music.

 

Watch video clip about the Gee’s Bend quilters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqhueIb9TnA

 

Compare and contrast the two images above; how are they alike? How do they represent pattern and rhythm or multiple rhythms?

 

Have students create their own 2D designs based on a Gee’s Bend-inspired quilt pattern (image files are attached).

Convert bitmap graphics into an SVG file - 10-12 min

Use Inkscape to convert 2D image to an SVG file (for use in Tinkercad)

 

Import bitmap (PNG) file into Inkscape; for Image Import Type choose “link” and click “OK”

Click on “Path” and “Trace Bitmap.” Play around with the settings to create a simple graphic

Click “Object” and “ungroup”

Click “File” > “Save As…” and chose “Optimized SVG”

Click “Save”; make sure first four boxes are checked and the rest unchecked

Click “Ok”

 

Watch the tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cZk08x_rAI

Import and extrude 2D design to create a 3D model - 10-12 min

Use Tinkercad 3D to import the SVG file and make taller using the extrude method

 

Sign in to use Tinkercad 3D; click the “Import” button.

Choose the SVG file; you may have to change the dimensions to fit (under 1000mm)

Click the center box and drag upwards with the mouse to extrude (make taller) the flat shape

Click the “Export” button to save the model as an STL file

 

Slice and covert 3D model for laser cutting - 20 minutes

Slicer for Fusion 360 slices and converts 3D models into 2D patterns that you can cut out of any flat material