I’d like to build a shadow box before starting my form box work. The plan included on my companion CD is too small to read; zooming in distorts the numbers.
Additionally, if you would like something more simple that would do the job just fine you can cut up a 30x40" piece of black foam-core like this and assemble a perfectly viable shadow box:
Here is also a great plan for a simple shadow box that even has optional diffuser panels (not necessary of course and I definitely would not use more than one.):
Next question: Many of the shadowboxes I’ve seen have a slit in the top to allow light in from above (example here). Is there a recommended way to cut this hole? I’ve seen square, rectangular running for-aft down the center of the box… myriad.
Great question Sha—I have also seen a great number of variations to how the light is allowed to enter. My only recommendation is that it is done is a way so as to keep the influence of the primary light source as paramount. What I mean by this is, you don’t want the manner of primary light entry portal to diffuse or diminish the light so much that it may become inextricably conflated with any ambient light—thus resulting in light/dark separations that are difficult to parse. Does that make sense?
I’m adding what I think is a useful Shadow Box solution here from artist @laurie1327249. The “Wine Box” solution:
Laurie writes: "I have always saved my old wooden wine boxes to store art supplies; however, recently I have been using them for small still life set-ups with my art students.
I use two boxes (approximately 13x20 61/2" deep. One I turn upside down so that I have a wooded edge at the bottom and I place the other open box on top to put the still life objects."
“I purchased my clip on light on Amazon for $19 (QUANS 5W 5x1W Warm White 19.68inch Clamp Clip on Gooseneck High Power LED Desk Table Light Lamp Ultra Bright Silver) and you can adjust the light source easily by moving the goose neck.” (Link: https://www.amazon.com/QUANS-19-68inch-Gooseneck-Bright-Silver/dp/B00W3GJ6WM/)
Hi Anthony, I’m attempting to build a foam core shadow box based on the measurements you provided. Do you have any other documentation that goes along with this to show how the box should be assembled and the usage of the adjustable side and small slat? Thanks
Hey Matt!!! Unfortunately I do not have any additional documentation. I had a carpenter build these for me and asked him to document the build. The plans in this document was all that he provided. I’m sorry—I wish I had more on these to share.
No problem, thanks for the reply! I’m sure I can figure it out as the foam core version is pretty basic. I’ll just go for it and see what happens. See you on Thursday for the next alla prima challenge.