Construction Process: Cable Connections

Faced with the challenge of representing the theory, "Six Degree's of Separation" using crochet we set out to find a suitable material that would meet our functional, aesthetic requirement as well as remain relevant to our central concept.

A trip to Jaycar and I managed to find cable that was malleable enough to mould and ties knots with as well as a range of at least 6 colours.

Cables- were chosen to represented the social networks because they are symbolic of how the internet fuels social networking and allows us to analyse how the various groups of people in our lives link.

tangled web of cables

Wire materials to resonate the concept

Using Regular Chain stitch crochet to create netting

Creating the core

Once the first colour is finished we begin to add the next colour - which would represented one's closest friends and family

the cables begin crenulating but the wire restricts it from warping like the wool does

These 3 tier crochet model represent incomplete networks as they continual grown even after the first person on which it was initiated from passes away or stops meeting new people the individuals in outer circles will continue to meet new people and make new connections and these people we meet new people.

In effect the social network in ongoing and increasing at an exponential rate since the introduction of social networking websites.

Furthermore we are now able to connect and 'log in' on our PDA, phones, iPads and can stay in contact and connected to the rest of the world as long as there's a signal.

Here is the final collections of hyperbolic models including one larger one with 6 different colours to symbolize the "Six Degree's of Separation".

Finally we had to think of an appropriate site for our installation and since its about making connection and extend our social circles we decided that in terms locally Martin Place in the Heart of Sydney's CBD would be an appropriate location as would Central Station and the cross section of George St and Park St near Sydney City's Town Hall.

This crowded city centre is filled with workers and friends meeting new people as well as catching up with old friends.

Here are some pictures of our site.

Martin Place

Martin Place Crowded

Central Station

On a larger scale in Japan the famous crossing in Shibuya (渋谷区) one of Tokyo's 23 city wards would be a great site for our model. Whilst Tokyo is small in size the city is home to 13 million.

Bird's eye view of the Shibuya crossing during off peak hours

Shibuya at Night

If we were to go to America New York City would be a suitable site as the city is home to 19million New Yorkers, day trippers and plenty of tourist.

Downtown N.Y.C

Time Square at Night

During our presentation we will give you a preview of what our "Six Degree's of Separation" Installation would look like in Sydney.