My research into the history of acrylic, the material used to produce my drum-set, led me to discover the military use of acrylic as a shield for Air Force gunners. This historical fact helped me to reinterpret the drum set as military object that protected the individual, myself whilst he issued a series of abrasive notes from the various drums of the set.
Using the military motif as a launching point I developed a uniform version of my drum set. I borrowed from the history of acrylic to determine that design of the suit should be loosely based off that of World War 2 Air Force uniforms. The muted grey and brown of the suit referenced the neutral colors of a uniform, as well as the color of my skin and the drum sets metal hardware. I further developed the history of my drum set uniform by producing clear acrylic medals and buckles to be worn for appropriate drum military outings, such as parades and rock concerts. Acrylic buckles and brown leather straps accented the uniform as a means of once again referencing my relation to the acrylic material of the kit. The closely tailored fit of the drum uniform also visually acknowledges the tight fit found in much rock clothing. The tight fit also responds to my original desire to have my figure and movements be seen while performing.
