(shower)this(sleep)

"Tactile Textile Light Surface"

Clara Bertness, Ryan Mather, Lux Factor Studio 2013

This surface-system reimagines conventional wall space. The use of a textile membrane allows for playful and accidental interaction between human and environment. To emphasize this interaction, we integrated the use of a photo-luminescent dye developed by Performance Indicator (the cool blue glow.)

Warmth LED Lighting, Clara Bertness, 2013

Warmth Lighting provides a softened alternative to the bright, technological edge often found in LED light sources. The specialized pigment's radiant color adds warmth when the LED bulb is on, and emits its own delicate orange glow after the light is extinguished. All pieces of the lamp can be shipped flat, another advantage to glowing pigment when compared with additional electronics.

Clara Bertness, Ambient-Shift Lighting board, 2014

I have a lot of lamps in my head, hopefully one day they will all happen.

This is what a rice cooker looks like on the inside. I was surprised, though perhaps naively so, by the fiberglass (No.8). These boards demonstrate different strategies for describing the interior of mechanically complex products.

Teapot by Marianne Brandt, 1925

Rhino rendering attempt by me, 2014

Sheet Metal Studies, Clara Bertness, 2012, tin-plated steel and 16 gauge aluminum

These objects are made with hand-operated shop tools like slip rollers, vices, mandrills, and the ominously named finger brake. This simple range of tooling fosters instinctive familiarity with aluminum and steel as materials. 

The tin plate series develops on a rolled-edge connection method that defines both the form and structure of larger assemblies. 

Square Knot Table, 2012, bent lamination.

Clara Bertness, Hannah Oh, Zander Mattaway, Megan Correa

We, this noble band of students, had a plan: a bent lamination table mimicking the comforting visual of woven cloth and made from only two parts. The table was designed after the Japanese kotatsu, a low table and heated blanket family members hang out under during the cold winter months. Square Knot, like a kotatsu, is meant for relaxed social use. 

Clara Bertness, Machinist Teacup, 2013

Clara Bertness, process work, 2014

My process almost always involves lots of drawing; before I build, before I CAD, before I talk to anyone really. These drawings are mostly about drawing teapots I can conceivably hand build, and they're also some of the prettier process drawings I've done for this project.

"Collecting The Sky" Clara Bertness, 2012

In this series, I went about capturing the sky. I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and when people ask me how I feel about living in Rhode Island I always say it feels claustrophobic here. In Colorado you can see a whole big dome above you, but on the east there are always trees and buildings and hills in the way.

Five pieces are glass found objects I painted from observation, the other five are hand-blown cut globes in which I painted skies from significant memories. 

Clara Bertness, "In Balance", 2013

steel, paper, plastic, wire

Clara Bertness," Thumbprint GPS", 2013 (concept, CAD model, packaging)

The concept: GPS for sight-impaired urban commuter

This GPS is held in-hand by the traveler and secured with a loose silicone strap around the first two fingers. The compass pad rests under the thumb of the user, in the same hand as a walking cane if relevant. The compass turns and buzzes in patterns, directing the user along a google maps-like path. The GPS is designed to help a user navigate while not relying on audio signals that distract from  listening for warnings, traffic, announcements, and obstacles. The Braille read-out and on-demand audio instructions provide additional in-route information, but aren't necessary for basic guidance.

Clara Bertness, Various Portraits, acrylic or chalk pastel, 2010-2011

I have what you might call a "fine art" background. These are selections from my senior portfolio at Boulder High School, class of 2011. The last piece is my first self-portrait at RISD.