Inspired by the work of Charles and Ray Eames and their innovative designs using plywood bending in the1940s, this project seeks to adapt their methods into creating a new animal form.

Choosing to create a bent lamination swan required a deep dive into the form and elegance that swans embody. The swan's graceful curves, flowing neck, and subtly layered body made it an ideal subject to push the boundaries of bent lamination techniques.

The swan is built out of four pieces: the neck and upper beak, the neck and upper back, the wings, and a flat bottom with attached tail feathers.

Birch veneer was glued together and formed around foam molds inside of a vacuum bag. After being left in the vacuum bag overnight, the wooden pieces set to their shape—ready to be hand trimmed, sanded, and lightly painted prior to assembly.