Ben Scogin Portfolio
University of Oregon
UCLA Summer Institute
With my models and their development I have really experimented and analyzed how curves can be used in architecture. My first model displayed only one curve this being a simple mobius strip. An object that was curved and had an interesting property that it was a single sided object. I expanded on this curve theme by incorporating more twists with straight paper to create shapes as well as creating an environment for people in the negative spaces between the curves. All this led me to my final model which has a more structured approach, featuring wooden supports to give the curves a more building-like appearance as well as being scaled to fit within Perloff Hall. My building features 13 curves that extend from the top and sides of the model to the bottom, each twisting and changing uniquely to create 13 distinct shapes to create the model. The negative space between the curves also create a unique atmosphere as they provide natural light as well as shade to the people inside as well as keeping the two spaces separate. The building is supposed to be an extension to the Perloff Hall art gallery. The building will allow art pieces to be viewed in natural sunlight creating a different perspective on the art displayed as well as providing a better viewing existence for any visitors or at creators that are at any given art exhibit. The materials are essential for completing the structure to my creative vision. The structure will be made of wood and the curves will be made out of metal/steel. This will give the building a finished look as well as complimenting the curving twisting sections by making them look sleek and smooth.the materials also help the structure to make 2 different areas, one within the structure where the art will be displayed and one on the outside of it overall the building displays a lean technique as no part of the building truly intersects with the existing Perloff structure.
Self Portrait, 19” x 15”
Layered self-portrait with missing pieces, each revealing a unique aspect of who I am. The gaps and overlaps reflect different sides of my personality, experiences, and memories—coming together to form an incomplete yet honest view of myself.
I used an X-Acto knife to carve out pieces of black-and-white photos and layered them over each other, mixing in colored paper and newsprint for extra texture and contrast. I added hand-drawn ink patterns, metallic marker details, and graphite shading to bring it all together. The different elements—photos, collage, ink, and metallic touches—play off each other, creating cool contrasts and depth. The piece has a textured, layered look that explores how different materials and cuts can connect and stand out at the same time.
Still Life with Skeleton, 18” x 10.5”
Still life featuring a skeleton, meticulously rendered in colored pencil based on a photograph, incorporating elements inspired by the life and environment that surrounds me.
I began with initial skeleton sketches in my notebook, then arranged a still life using a model skeleton, draped cloth, scissors, and a wrench. After photographing the composition, I used the photo as a reference to create a detailed pencil drawing.
Mexico Sunset, 17.5” x 12.5”
Two photographs cut vertically and horizontally then woven together to make a new photo.
After altering the saturation and hue of my original photo to create a variation, I used a weaving technique to merge both images. With photographs, an X-Acto knife, glue, camera, cutting board, clips, and Photoshop, I intricately layered and interlaced the images, capturing a fresh and vibrant moment.
A Day in the Life Collection I , 11” x 8”
A Day in the Life Collection II, 11” x 8”
A mix of my everyday world, crafted from various materials, form a unified and dynamic composition
I began by applying gouache paint to the background, then layered cut programs, school projects, drawings, homework assignments, a current book, school stickers, Letraset, and various other scraps onto the canvas. To create unity and cohesion, I used colored pencil to bridge the gaps between these elements. My materials included assorted paper, gouache, colored pencil, scissors, glue, Letraset, ink, a printer, and Photoshop.