Laser printing

After this tutorial I was eager to try more designs, I started with outlining a photo of a family member with the plan to engrave it into MDF. The overall outcome of the experiment was pleasing! I outlined they key features in black on illustrator and printed it. 

After experimenting with engraving the material I wanted to see how I could detail a drawing that would allow light to pass through. This would work perfectly for my lantern and enable me to indulge in the Shinto believes and ideals a lot more. 

For this I did plenty of research on the myths and legends of early japan. Reading /Myths and Legends of Japan' by F. Hadland Davis  I was reintroduced to two Gods Izanagi (Male-who-invites) and Izanami (Female-who-invites). I had come across them before when visiting V&A and other museums and had seen many Japanese prints of their image. So hearing about them in greater detail was truly inspiring, I wish I had invested in the book sooner as I feel it could have affected the creation of my set as it had my lantern designs.