I chose this engraving because it was a challenge. I liken it to a mathematic problem, that I really wanted to solve. It’s full of optical illusions, and remembers me what M.C. Escher did. So, the work for me was to try to make a model of something impossible in 3D, but to have the illusion that it’s working when you take a picture of it.

The first big surprise was to discover all these optical illusions when I tried to understand the picture to draw plans. Then, after hours of hideous sketching trying solve my different problems (when one was solved, it conjured another one...), I tried to make a sketch model with folded pieces of paper and colours to check if my plan went well. New surprises appeared, but easier to correct. Then I started the real model.

I used foam, a material I never used before. It was amazed to discover how it was easy to cut and the effect we can have once it is painted. But, my paint wasn’t excellent, so I needed an entire day to do four layers on each part of my model, I didn’t foresee this...

I’m happy with the result, particularly about the ambiance, we are in the centre of a nightmare. I’m also pleased with the different solutions I found to render the optical illusions. But, some of the proportions of my building are wrong; I think it’s the main problem in my model.

About Photoshop, I learned how make light in a picture, and discovered different effect for the light as well. I think light is similar to the original. It was difficult to find the good texture (like an etching with engraving).

For the redesign one, I chose to do a “Trance Party,” because I wanted to transform it in a living place, but something credible. It’s a peculiar place, and it remembers me the Trance party in Goa. I’m satisfied with the fluorescent effect and the general ambiance. Also, the scale of the people is good. But, the problem is more about the light, which dims the 3D effect.

I really enjoyed this project, and what I learned and discovered throughout it.