Sunday, June 9, 2019
By:
Last week’s blog already seems like such a long time ago! This last week was packed full and kicking up into high gear. My mentor returned Tuesday, and we talked about the parameters of my project and what we wanted to focus on. I spent more time doing research on VR Gallery software and other platforms which we could host the exhibitions on, and found a couple that might meet more of our needs than what I had originally expected. After presenting my findings to my mentor, the question turned to, “what about 3D works?”
We both agreed that, if possible, we should present some of the sculptural pieces in the virtual galleries. Otherwise, what would be the point in having it all in 3D? A slideshow with a sidebar could accomplish the same goal for much less work.
3D modeling became my focus for the next week. What is the easiest and most cost efficient way to model a small piece of art? I looked a lot at 3D Scanners, but was ultimately led to the exciting world of photogrammetry!
Photogrammetry is when you take a multitude of photos from many different angles all around an object and then use specialized software to stitch a 3D model together. This process is used a lot in game design, as well as architecture and aerial photography. It requires no special hardware, and there are a multitude of different software to choose from.
As far as work went this week, it was ultimately a lot of the same as last week. Research, trial, compare, and repeat until I could narrow down to two or three potential programs. The real star of this week was extra curriculars! I haven’t been particularly extroverted since arriving in DC, largely due to the fact that I was just getting over a nasty cold and was extremely drained. Even though I really wanted to go out with my fellow interns, I stayed in a lot to recover. This week, though, I was so excited to be involved.
The biggest thing I did this week was say yes to things. Yoga in the cafeteria? Yes. Taco Tuesday? Yes. Farmers market? Count me in. And, at the end of the week, I even went out on my own to attend some DC Pride events before going to a small gathering at the Optical Society, where we all watched the parade from a balcony near DuPont Circle.
It was kind of weird, going to Pride as a sort-of work related event. All week, I was struggling to come to terms with DC Pride and what pride means to me. I also struggled with how much of my identity I need or want to share with my fellow interns or coworkers – all great people so far but really have only known for two weeks now. As I reflect on this week, I realize that the best thing I could have done was to just say yes, not just to opportunities, but to being myself. I don’t owe anyone anything but just being genuinely me. No explanations necessary!
I have been spending a lot of time trying to figure out where I fit in to this great big group of amazing people. I’m used to being the most extroverted, most friendly, most assertive person in the room. Those roles are being filled by my peers, which leaves me trying to figure out where I fit into this big group of really genuinely amazing people. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I suspect it will all work out in the end.
I came here wanting to network, find a job, and do a job. It’s a fun job, getting to work on my art project and showcase my thesis exhibition, and I was very excited to be here. The longer I spend though, the more I realize that this internship is more than just the work. I’m here to connect, to learn, and to grow, not just my skills but myself as a person.
Happy Pride Month, everybody. See you next week!
Isabel Bishop