Zukaarimoto Art and Design: February 2012

Final Pieces.
The Chest Armour with intravenous input cylinder is a homage to the Sirens past incarnation as a winged being, as well as being their species chosen attire. Chest, Thigh and Groin Armour, as well as the Obi differ from Siren to Siren as they are often customised to suit the Siren’s individual taste, and the planet and region they inhabit. The only part that does stay the same is the size and style of intravenous cylinder which cannot be altered due to functionality. The Obi, Thigh and Groin Armour reflect the structure of the Chest Armour, but with symbolic plant emblems on the Thigh Armour. Thigh Armour emblems reflect the specific plant for which each Siren has guardianship over.

12. The Utility Bracelet enables the wearer to travel from location to location, and from planet to planet within their solar system by simply entering the coordinates into the two large clear disks. It is also fitted with a learning/recording and playback facility, which allows the wearer to hear music or view holographic information. The Bracelet can also be used as a weapon. By entering the correct code into the smaller disks, the bracelet harnesses its transportation power, turning it into energy bolts with the power to demolish a three story building or rupture the hulls of vessels.

11. The Front Skull Half-Helmet was made from plastic packing cord referencing the Roman Cavalry Helmet, WWII Flying Helmet.

10. 'Water is Life'. Sodium Chloride Intravenous Drips are used by the Sirens for fluid replacement and to prevent premature dehydration. This primary need is a side effect of their past lives as land and sea dwellers. The tube is connected to the front of the chest armour via a needle into the black cylinder, enabling the user to connect to the drip during 'replenishment'. Once 'replenishment' is complete, and full rehydration has been achieved, the user can disconnect the drip until the next scheduled 'replenishment'. 16 hours is the maximum time a user should be disconnected from their drip. Users who exceed the 16 hours will experience severe loss of mental ability and strength. In extreme cases the user will die without sufficient rehydration. Reaction time varies from user to user.

9. Slim pieces of Balsa wood were attached to the front of the left and right thigh armour flaps.

8. A heavy-duty, clip fastener was attached to the centre back of the lower chest panel to secure when wearing.

7. Balsa wood was attached around the lower chest panel in a similar style to the hand drawn Obi design. Smaller pieces of wood were also attached around the inner and outer shoulder sections and around the top of the lower chest panel.

6. To create the Obi, 300gsm card was wrapped around and attached to a strip of plastic packing foam. A tribal pattern in reference to my mixed heritage and musical cultures, was drawn on by hand onto the top piece of card.

5. To reference Inspiration, Life and Growth, I cut out the shapes of branches and leaves in card and attached them to foam board, which was then attached to the left and right thigh armour flaps.

4. Mirroring the overlapping design on the front, 300gsm card was attached in the same style on the back.

3. Using the same foam I used for the torso base structure, I cut out the pattern for the Obi - a sash worn in traditional Japanese dress with Kimino's and in Martial Arts - and the thigh and groin armour flaps. 300gsm card and strips of Balsa wood were then attached to the centre front armour flap.

2. Balsa wood strips were attached to the front of the structure referencing the Mariner (striped tops), Armour and the Siren.

1. To create the base structure for the chest and back, I cut-out a chest band and straps out of 1cm thick dense plastic packing foam.

Costume Concept 2.

Costume Concept 1.

Inspiration

1. 'Futurism' - Exploration
2. 'Water' - is life (think the Fremen people of Dune) - Growth.
3. 'Armour' - due to civil rights issues, everyday living in the metropolis, we/I feel sometimes I wear an invisible armour to protect me from the negativity, and in readiness for battle. Over coming obstacles.
4. Music - Inspiration. Channels our every feeling. Enables us to dance.
5. Siren - 'Star-crossed'.