At the request of the Director, I modified to the original sketch to add elements of futuristic space exploration and create a busier space. My initial idea included Robots and a washing machines, but ran out of time at the end to include them. Katsu also wanted the audience to feel as if the black hole was sucking them in - the first sketch wasn't quite right since the space craft was escaping the vortex so I flipped their direction in the second sketch. My sketches were made with tracing paper over the original design.
The sculpture was a challenge in a number of ways. First, I spent a lot of time making sure the grid lines of my black hole lined up best I could since it would not be possible to modify them when I carve further down. Second, I find portraits difficult to get spot on, and discovered as I was carving Einstein that trying to make him young like in the sketch was incredibly difficult. In the end I had to age a little him to give him the iconic Einstein face.
Once the top half is carved and wooden forms completely removed, the battle is almost won! I find it is much easier to envision the piece without the frames. It can be tricky though - while removing the forms means I have greater freedom to see the sculpture, it also means I am no longer able to climb back up and reach the higher areas.