3D Technology and Fine Art — A New Book
I have been working on a book for quite some time now. My editor at Focal Press tells me that ten months is record time for creating a book like this. It feels like an eternity for me. Today it goes to the publisher. The proposed design by Diliberto Photo and Design is featured on this page.
The book focuses on the combination of 3D technology as it pertains to fine art and craft. The constant within the book is of course, realizing artwork in a physical form. I have been so excited to feature the work and practices of many artists, nearly 90 something artists at last count. What is different about this book and the accompanying podcasts that are being recorded with the artists is that they tell their tips and tricks. I have always been a “show me” person. Show me what you did, how you did it and let me bring my own creativity into the process. I have said over and over about this technology , you don’t know what you can do until you know what you can do and once you realize what is possible it will blow your mind.
I think it is important to focus on all three aspects of the book. They inform each other. 3D Scanning is important because it offers so much to a traditional artists and digital artist alike. 3D printing is all the rage, but how can we push the limits to create unique and original art? CNC Or Computer Numerically Controlled creations have been around for a long time. However, you will not believe what artists are doing with this tool. Digital Sculpting lets us modify or create incredible pieces of art. The combination of these four means individuals are creating artwork that up to this point in technology, could never be created.
There is a great deal more in the book.
Now on to recreating the website for the book at http://www.DigitalSculpting.net. Digital Sculpting.net was original created for my previous book written with Mike de la flor, “Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists.” This is where you will be able to find many of the references in the book and additional information. You can now find the old podcasts on the DigitalSculpting.net website. However, I’ll soon be promoting the new podcasts. I am interviewing quite a few artists and companies from the book. The podcasts are a delight and really give life to the book. I’m thrilled to have them. Wait until you hear some of the tips and tricks from these artists. Once the new podcasts are made public you will be able to use the links anywhere you like. You can even use the podcasts on your own blog.
Anyways, I hope you like the book.
Pre ordering should be available in the next few months. I am also planning on a series of lectures and book tours next year. If you are interested in having me come to your school, please feel free to contact me. I would love to come and speak.
Do you know anyone who might like to review the book? Please let me know.
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Impressed With the Support of Fine Arts by Autodesk and CEO Carl Bass
I have been working diligently on a book titled 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling. I am happy to say that I have created something unique; there is no other book like this one. The book is going to my publisher Focal Press (a division of Taylor and Francis) this week. It is due out June of 2015. The beta readers have finished the book- a recent response from a beta reader
“This should be given out as a textbook for anyone going to art school in the next decade.”
In the year that it has taken me to write this book, I have to say that I have developed a bounteous respect for two things.
1. The first are the many individuals who I call “pioneers: in this industry who have been using these technologies long before they became fun or fashionable. I mention them in a previous post.
2. The other is for a company and a person of which I would like to focus on. Carl Bass and the software company Autodesk.
For those of you who don’t know, Autodesk is one of the leading manufacturers of software. They are also the manufacturer of the software called Mudbox that was the feature of the book that I wrote with Mike de la Flor Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists. When I finished my research and writing of 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft, I realize an alternate title might be, All of The Cool Things Autodesk is Doing to Encourage Creativity and Imagination in Fine Art and Craft.
Autodesk manufacturers software for engineers, architects, those who work with computer graphic, animation, etc. What on earth does Autodesk have to do with with fine art and craft, you might ask, and why are they doing this? Let’s face it, the combination of fine art and technology is not a large market for a big company like Autodesk.
WHY?
Let me first answer the why, or give you my summary of the why. I believe the reason for this, is that the person that is at the forefront of the company, Carl Bass, has a heart for art. Carl Bass is an artist. Besides being the CEO, he is a woodworker. He is a man that knows what it feels like to run your hands over a creation, to have the aroma of cutting wood spark your creative soul. He too has sat back after creating something and enjoyed the work of his hands and he likes technology. Why wouldn’t he want to see these two united?
My journey of writing this book has given me a profound respect for Carl Bass and Autodesk.
WHAT DOES AUTODESK HAVE TO DO WITH FINE ART?
Autodesk’s support and interest in sparking and exploring creativity are found in just about every chapter in my book, I am surprised at how often I have come across their involvement. The company has touched the lives of so many creative individuals. These are some that I feature in the book.
Digital Stone Exhibition.
In 2008 Autodesk put together the Digital Stone Exhibition. Five artists Bruce Beasley, Jon Isherwood, Kenneth Snelson and Robert Michael Smith created digital designs that were then fabricated in stone using the traditional stone carving processes. A mix of traditional and digital art is the continuous focus of my book, along with realizing artwork in a physical form. It would make sense that the Digital Stone Exhibition and the artist would be a part of the book.
Erwin Hauer
I am so very honored to be featuring some of the most incredible talents, the cream of the crop—artists from all over the world. Erwin Hauer is one of those. I saw Erwin’s work in the 2008 SIGGRAPH convention on computer graphics. Erwin created panels of art in the 50’s. He is now working with Enrique Rosado, to recreate these images using digital technology. How did I learn of this? I learned about the collaboration through a video that Autodesk put together and featured at SIGGRAPH in 2008.
123D Tools
If you are a traditional artist thinking about using digital tools, the learning curve can feel daunting. I work through many chapters to help fine artists and craftsman learn and understand the processes and the possibilities. The book is filled with free software and places to explore. One of those is the 123D suite of tools that Autodesk offers. Autodesk and I have the same drive. We want to encourage, inspire and educate others to see how they can push the limits.
Importance of Cultural Heritage
I talk about the importance of cultural heritage and how it relates to 3D scanning in the 3D scanning chapter. It is pretty incredible what can be done. I’m featuing the Smithsonian’s X 3D program in the book. Now students can see 3D scans of artifacts and even print them out. I should not be surprised that Autodesk is a sponsor of the Smithsonian’s X3D.
Spark Platform
Of course, the book has a large section on the processes of 3D printing and the art behind it. I’m thrilled to see that Autodesk is once more involved as they announce their Spark Platform. Again Bass and I are on the same page as he states in a Bloomberg TV interview,
CEO Carl Bass states that when it comes to 3D printing he was like many, “Fascinated by the promise but frustrated by the reality.” There are a lot of steps involved in 3D printing, and Carl Bass believes that it needs to be simpler. The interesting concept is that this large company will be creating an open source SLA 3D printer. Bass understand the concept of how the input of others can play a role in the evolution of the product. As the product evolves, so will the creative thinking.
Encouragement of Exploration by Artists
“Autodesk is particularly interested in collaborating with artists because they are focused on realizing their creative visions, as opposed to a more traditional engineering approach, which is to solve problems within a given context with the tools available.”
Maurice Conti, Director Strategic Innovation Autodesk
We should be encouraging artists to explore, and push the boundaries of the technology. Again, Autodesk and I agree. My book, 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft, is written to educate artists in these processes. Over 100 artists from around the world share their processes, software, and vendors.
It has always been my belief that artists look at things differently. When Joris Laarman Lab developed the MX3D-metal 3D printer. The MX3d is part robot, and part welding machine. How delighted I was to find this quote above about Autodesk’s belief in the importance of the art community. Should I be surprised to find out that this artist is sponsored, in part by Autodesk?
“Because he’s an artist, he’s pushing the envelope further than an industry would,” says Autodesk director Maurice Conti, who first grew interested in Laarman’s work a few year’s back when the designer was using a large scale resin printer. “An artist just has a creative vision and they kind of ignore what the tools are supposed to be able to do and they realize their creative vision.”
The Work of Carl Bass
How delighted I was when one of the featured companies in my book ExOne, sent me the work of Carl Bass. If I can receive his release form in the next few days, you will be able to see the work of the man behind the company that supports the arts.
This blog post is only a small example of the influence on the arts by Autodesk, and its CEO Carl Bass There are probably many more influences of which I am not even aware.
How can I ever thank Autodesk and Carl Bass for what they have done? The only way I know how to do that, is to continue the mission of Autodesk. To educate and encourage artists to push the boundaries. I am doing that by writing this book and speaking about the wonderful endeavors of the artists and the technology.
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Another Wonderful Job By Shidoni Foundry
Gib Singleton. I guess
because it is so different
than my own.
A tiger is what sent me to Shidoni Foundry in NM. It was last year, when I was working on the 15 foot Grambling University tiger that I made the leap and some traveling, to have my work cast at Shidoni Foundry in NM. I really love the work at Shidoni, the people, and frankly, Shidoni is giving me the best bids.
It is a bit of a commitment as they are 834 miles (12 hours 49 minutes drive) from my home studio in Houston, Texas. So, a few months ago, I sent off another one of my pieces for Shidoni to work on. I created “Called To Pray” for Dallas Baptist University as a limited edition of 10. North Greenville University in South Caroline purchased number two in the edition.
For each sculpture that is cast at Shidoni there are a few things that the distance makes difficult. The first is getting my molds to the foundry. This problem could be much worse; I could be trying to get a clay sculpture made in a wax based clay across the hot desert of Texas and NM. However, with the help of some incredible interns I make my own molds. When the molds are done I can send them, drive them myself, or have someone pick them up. (TRIP 1.)
In the past, when I worked with local foundries, I would like to look at the waxes, and even work on the waxes. This is a portion of the lost wax method of bronze casting that I have to give up by working with a foundry so far away. This has been very difficult for me. But I am coping.
Once the foundry is done with the sculpture I must go to approve the metal and give instruction on my patina, or the color. Though I might be able to get away with shipping companies with the other trips, this one is one that I must do in person. (TRIP 2.)
Ship the sculpture- Most often the sculpture is shipped through my favorite art shipping company Acts Crating and Freighting. It is just easier to have them do this. From time to time I can see where I will pick up the sculpture and bring it back. At this time I might combine bringing the sculpture back with trip 3.
interact with the sculptures in the Shidoni garden.
Retrieve the molds-(TRIP 3.) Unfortunately, I have to retrieve my molds as Shidoni has no place to store the molds in between castings. This is a shame as it is usually not the most opportune time for me to have to get the molds. I think this is my biggest hindrance in working with a foundry at a distance. It would be good if there was short term storage, which we are working on. That way I can pick up molds from more than one job at time and perhaps after dropping off others.
It is a good thing that the foundry gives me such excellent prices as I would never be able to do the back and forth without that. The cost would be prohibiting. Of course Shidoni is set up for casting monumental sculptures, which is another plus.
the metal at Shidoni foundry on
the sculpture “Called to Pray”
I do love my side trips to Santa Fe- the sunsets, the art, and the hiking. while there, I am running to the foundry a lot, or sometimes camping out there and writing in between checking on the job, in fact, that is where I started writing the book that I am finishing up now.
This time I brought my daughter and granddaughter thanks to some frequent flyer miles. It was a joy to share this special place with my girls. My grand daughter enjoyed the foundry sculpture garden, as I hear most kids do. My favorite piece is the work of Gib Singleton. I’m inspired by his work and sad to hear that he has passed away. Don’t be surprised if you find that his style creeps into my personal pieces in the future.
If all goes well I’ll be making plans for another tip to NM for one of the best commissions of my life. More to come on that. Meanwhile, another great job by Shidoni. “Called to Pray.” ships in the next week to its SC home._______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Searching to Honor The Pioneers in 3D And Fine Art
“We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants.
We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did,
not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they,
but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours.”
The Metalogicon John of Salisbury 1159
Recognizing the Achievements of Others
There seems to be a need in us as humans to recognize the achievements of others. That is why we have banquets, and develop awards. However, there is one group with no award and no recognition. As I think of this group, I feel compelled to give them that recognition. If I could have a banquet and invite all of them from around the world, I would. If I had a space where I could collect their work and show it to the world, I would. The only thing I have to recognize these people is the space in my new book project and the thankfulness of all of my muses.
When watching awards being given we think of the life-work of an individual. We applaud and then order another martini. However, in this case, thankfulness goes much deeper than just a life of work. It is a person’s passion and life work that also contributes to paving the way for others who come after them. The processes of these “pioneers” enlightened others. Their struggles created dialogue; their mistakes or needs caused others to reconfigure the process. Some dedicated their life to passing on their information and teaching others. Everyone of these made a difference. I’m not sure if most of those in my group recognize that this is what they have done, and some of them, frankly, I’m just getting to know their part in this creative journey and how it plays on my creative process. Sadly, some that I am finding, have passed away and have never received the recognition they deserve.Those that I am speaking of are artists who have dedicated their life and passion to combining fine art and technology.
Many people think that realizing work in a physical form with 3D printing is new and the first time this has been done. My friend you could not be more wrong. There are artists who have been combining 3D technology and fine art and craft for years. I call these men and women pioneers.
My Way of Saying Thank You.
There are however, no banquets, no awards, and worse yet, no galleries that can house the “first” works of these individuals. The only thing that I can do with the resources that I have is thank them and give them a place of honor in my new book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling by Bridgette Mongeon
It is these shoulders that we now stand on. It is their accomplishments and trials that have built the technology. I have said it time and time again; If artists take this technology and push it to the limits with their creative processes it will cause new and exciting things to happen. It is the reason I am writing this book.
It is My Honor
There are many artists and vendors featured in the book. Those that I consider pioneers are:* Carl Bass- Recognized for your creative passion and your position in technology that encourages the marriage of fine art and craft with 3D. Thank you for the Digital Stone Exhibition and other things that you are doing. (I’m still trying to reach Carl for his participation of images.) * Bruce Beasley * Robert Michael Smith and * Jon Isherwood along with others who are committed to continuing education in 3D combined with stone and CNC milling. * Bathsheba Grossman – As a woman who has worked in the primarily male populated world of 3D technology I am indebted to Bathsheba for paving her way, for her incredible contribution and experimentation with 3D printing of metal and for her ingenuity with creativity and math. * Erwin Hauer and * Enrique Rosado, for their contribution in preserving the past by introducing the future.
There are many others that I have contacted and some that I have yet to contact. The list includes but is not limited to. *Michael Rees, *Kenneth Snelson, *Keith Bown, * Elona Van Gent, *The family of Rob Fisher *Dan Collins, * Christian Lavigne, * Barry X ball *Robert Lazzarini, *Lawrence Argent and *David Morris.
dialogues around art and 3D. They paved the way, encouraged
collectors and museums and inspired others. They need to
be recognized not only for their art, but for their
contributions. Sculpture by Robert Michael Smith
Please help me find and honor the pioneers
If I have listed your name or you know of a pioneer that I have forgotten, please contact me as soon as possible. I don’t want to leave anyone out.
- Please send me an email at Bridgette (the at sign) creativescupture.com
- Please include a few high-resolution images of your work and possibly one of yourself and your work. Some artists are sending screen shots of the digital work to compare to the completed work; these should be screen shots with the largest screen so that we can make them look good when reduced down.
- Please send me a short bio 500 words or less and let me know when you began using 3D technology in your fine art practice, and what type of work you do now.
- Please give me a separate list of your software that you use and your vendors if they are pertinent to realizing your artwork in a physical form.
- Feel free to send links to other resources on your work. I will also require an e-mail to send you an electronic release form.
My absolute deadline for all of the above information is September 1st. Space in the book is limited so the earlier I can receive information the better.
Make it Personal
If any of these people would like to participate in an online interview about their work I would love to schedule you for an informal podcast in the next 3-4 months. I create these podcasts through a simple phone conversation, at your convenience. They are recorded and released prior to the book. I will also provide you with a link to the podcast. Here are some examples of ones that have been done in the past.
Thank you so much for such strong shoulders to stand on. I only hope 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling will be my small contribution to those who go after me. Thank you for your consideration.
This book will come out summer of 2015 and is being published by Focal Press. I am indebted to the publisher for believing in the importance of this project especially since it is different from their other published books.
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Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Thanks To Focal Press For Believing In My New Book Project!
I am very happy to report that I have just received my signed book contract with Focal Press for my book, 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling. The contract came to me yesterday, and well, the original book deadline was tomorrow, but I have pushed it until the first of October. I know there will be presales of the book and will be sure to let everyone know when that is. The book is due out next year, and plans are already under way for a tour of lectures, presentations of vendors materials, book signings etc. If you are interested in being a part of that please let me know. We are planning both a tour in United States and another in Europe, being that so many of the artists and vendors are from Europe. Maker spaces, libraries, CG meet up groups, fine art groups, and vendors, please keep this in mind. Let’s work together to create many special events that inform, inspire and encourage the joining of fine art, craft and 3D technology. Send me your dates and let’s talk so we can pencil each other in.
Focal Press is also the publisher of Digital Sculpting With Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists that I wrote with Mike de la Flor. I know a book combining art and technology is not their norm. I’m so glad they believe in this project. I know I do.
If you are interested in hearing more about the book, and up and coming speaking engagements please sign up for my newsletter.
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Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Presentation At Captured Dimensions
On July 24th, I had the pleasure of presenting at Captured Dimensions in Dallas, Texas at their 3D Art Night. It was great meeting everyone and speaking. Thank you so much for coming out. Captured Dimensions is such a wonderful resource for each of you to have in your area. I look forward to working with them from Houston and am thrilled to feature them in my new book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling.
A few pictures from this evening…
There are so many interesting conversations taking place around the combining 3D technology in Fine Art and Craft. I love having these dialogues with others.
Thanks for staying late and sharing.
We will be documenting our process of using Captured Dimensions for 3D print along with other processes of photogrammetry in the book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling
I’m nothing less than passionate about these processes and what they are doing for the inspiration of so many.
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Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
For Those in The Plano, Texas Area Interested In Fine Art, Craft And Technology
print of a man that was scanned at
Captured Dimensions in Plano, Texas.
Calling all artist and craft people in the Dallas, Texas area. I am thrilled to announce that I have been invited to give a lecture hosted by Captured Dimensions on Thursday, July 24th 2014 from 6:30-9:30 pm. The topic is, of course based on my upcoming book,“3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling.”
If you are not familiar with Captured Dimensions then I would highly recommend you take a look at this video and their website. Captured Dimensions specializes in a scanning process called photogrammetry. It is basically taking photographs all around a subject and making them into a 3D model. I’m featuring a section on photogrammetry in the new book and will be scheduling my own sitting with my granddaughter as a model while visiting Dallas. How can the cameras “scan” a moving baby? Unlike 3D scanning with a scanner, photogrammetry at Captured Dimensions is done quickly with the click of a shutter. I will be featuring this sitting in the book as well as creating some works of art using these digital creations made in coordination with Captured Dimensions.
But this facility and the process of “scanning” sculpture offers so much more. Artwork can be created in one size and then repurposed and sold at another size. For example, monumental pieces can be made as jewelry. What does that mean? You can often make more money by repurposing art that you have already created. There is really so much that you can do using 3D technology, the best thing to do is to come and listen to the lecture and we can brainstorm.
As a sculptor of 30 years I am embracing the new technologies as well as interviewing others and sharing my process though this book. There is so much that can be done with 3D printing, scanning, sculpting and milling. I keep saying to everyone,
“You don’t know what you can do until you know what you can do. When you hear some of the possibilities it will really blow your mind.”
I can’t wait to share. If you get a chance, come on by and get an ear full and learn about what can be done. After the lecture there will be a Q&A session. There will also be wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a tour of the studio. This is a chance for attendees to explore ways in which 3D technology could enhance their craft and increase exposure to their works of art.
Please join us in traveling the crossroads of 3D technology and sculptural art:
Location: Captured Dimensions Studio, 2805 E Plano Pkwy, Ste 250, Plano, TX 75074
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 from 6:30 – 9:30pm
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Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Visiting An Old Friend
watching those that come down the
road to the family homestead.
Commissions come and they go. When interviewed this week by the Texas Country Reporter they asked if I know the people I have sculpted. “Not in life, ” is my reply. You see, I develop a relationship with the deceased.
That is the way it was with sculpting Patsy. I believe this sculpture was created about nine years ago. I remember this sculpture as pivotal. My old studio was being torn down to make room for those new buildings in the Houston Heights and our new studio was built behind our house. We moved Patsy mid creation.
her death. I need to come back and have a glass
of wine with her under this tree.
It was also pivotal because I was documenting my process of sculpting the deceased and have written a book about it. It is still unpublished. I’d love to publish the book, but it was a bit difficult to find a publisher that would be open to talking about death, art, celebration of life, mixed with some pretty strange occurrences and a sculptors life full of faith and Christian influences.
brother on the land where they once played.
Anyway, recently Patsy’s husband invited me to come to their home deep in the prairie land of Brenham, Texas. My husband and I were invited to a family gathering. I visited Patsy under her oak tree, and danced country western dancing in the fields of Brenham, Texas with her brother. I’m so thankful for families allowing me into their lives, their grief, and their healing. So many people came up to me and thanked me for this sculpture. They did so, all these years later, with tears in their eyes.
belonged to this family for generations.
Someone also once called me a historian. It is true. I preserve history. Generations from now people will come up to this sculpture and ask, “Who was she?” I see it happen time and time again. I have heard it happen when visiting the Vermont College campus and the sculpture of Richard Hathaway. If I can cause them to pause and ask a question they might just find out about the specialness of the person, and their influences on the lives that they touched.
Of course with Patsy, you don’t have to go far to find the history behind her. Her family has restored and preserved her childhood home, which is a short walk from where she sits on this bench. Touring this home and learning about he rich German culture was another highlight of my time at the family acres known as Patren.
It was good to visit an old friend. Thank’s to the family for welcoming me into their lives and their love.
Texas Country Reporter Visits The Studio
I was very honored to have Texas Country Reporter visit my studio this week. With a career in sculpting that spans 30 years I have had press before, but this one was very special. The focus of this segment is on the sculpting of children. Though, of late, I have been sculpting huge mascots or artwork for colleges such as the Grambling Tiger, or the Prairie View panther, and “Called to Pray for Dallas Baptist University, the children have always had my heart. I have not had a child commission in a couple of years.While floating through the photographs of my artwork over the many years I realize how many of these children have come through my life. I don’t worry about it. The children commissions will return, but I realize I miss them. The profound part of missing them is magnified by now having grandchildren.
I started sculpting years ago by being inspired by the fanciful nature of childhood exhibited in my own child, and now that spark is flamed again by the birth of my grandchildren. I am so pleased that my granddaughter Issa could become a part of the segment. When I babysit her I watch her with a sculptor’s eye. I long for the opportunity to capture those child gestures. It is the simple things, peeking under the bed walking on her tip toes or just toddling that inspire me. I have saved a picture of my other granddaughter Karina. It is on my phone and I look at it often, one day you will see this scene played out in clay or bronze.
I have been very occupied with my other muse- writing. I have been writing a book 3D “Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Sculpting, Scanning and Milling.” The preparation for the photo shoot gave me a little break as I pulled out a personal sculpture of a baby Issa yawning, and got to work on it again. It is interesting. I started by making children and
selling them, I created the scenes I wanted and hoped I could make a living by doing so. Now, I balance the commissions and writing and have little time to do any “personal” pieces.
I am glad that the the Texas Country Reporter had the incentive to show not just my traditional process but the digital process as well. From scanning of children, to the presentations that I create digitally in the computer.
They asked me if there was anything I would have liked to do, but have yet to do? I spoke about this next piece, and it is true that I am really excited about it, but I think I would also like to create a public scene with multiple children, and maybe their pets- dogs and kittens interacting with the children.
Still interaction with a sculpture is important and I’m thrilled that Texas Country Reporter might possibly show the next commission that I’m waiting to hear about this week . It is a life size sculpture. A happening, a place, a thing to experience. One day soon, individuals will be able to go to a Texas park and have tea with the Mad Hatter, Alice, the door mouse, cheshire cat and the rabbit. I’m calling “Move one place on” my magnum opus. I can’t wait until it is done and I can watch individuals interact with the sculpture. That is my favorite thing about public art.
The Texas Country Reporter segment does not air until October. Many have asked what channel? I found this showtime schedule on their website. They also said they put some of the segments on their you tube station. I do hope they do it with this one. I have no idea what will end up on the cutting room floor. I just know that these guys were so entertaining and fun to work with. Maybe by October I’ll have permission to name the park that ” Move one place on” piece will be going into. And they can air that. The park is expected to open next summer.
Ah, and Bob Phillips was so tricky in getting me to talk about something that I rarely talk about in public. No, I won’t mention it here, I’ll just post this photograph taken by a very sensitive photographer Georgina Langoria several years ago.
bit more about the “personal” side.
By photographer Georgina Langoria
To wrap this up, here is a segment done at the very beginning of my career. Channel 8 won best artists documentary for the segment. Just look at that young lady, in my first very old studio. It will be interesting to watch each of these two segments in contrast.
Follow me on twitter, and I’ll be sure to post when the segment will air.
Thanks again Texas Country Reporter.
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Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Searching For Interviews For Podcast On 3D Technology
podcast- A fireside
chat where art and
technology meet
We are looking for a special guest for this podcast—
The theme of the podcasts—
“A Fireside Chat Where Art and Technology Meet.”
Host Bridgette Mongeon, is reviving The Art and Technology Podcasts. The spark of the regeneration of the podcasts is due to the many inspiring guests that are featured in the hosts soon to be released book, 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft.
“The artists and vendors featured in the book “3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft” are some of the finest artists in the field. They are gracious enough to share their tips/tricks, software and vendors. This makes the book a valuable tool for all artists. The work featured is truly inspiring. It is impossible to put all of the suggestions of the artists into the book. The podcasts give the reading audience additional information, while also giving the reader/listener an opportunity to sit in on a more intimate conversation with many of the people featured,”
States author and podcast host Bridgette Mongeon
The author/and host is still looking for artists and vendors who are doing unusual and creative things with 3D technology to feature on both podcasts and in the book, but more than that, there is an immediate need for the first guest for the re-introductory podcasts.
The specifics needed for this first special guest is a guest with a 3D technology website, magazine or blog that has a following and can change things up a bit with a dual interview. In this first podcast, the host will interview the magazine and the magazine will interview the author/host concerning the up and coming book. If you have a publication or you know of a publication that might be interested, please contact the author directly.
We are trying to fill this spot and recorded this podcast before the 6th of April or sooner.
ABOUT THE PODCASTS
The podcasts were originally created in 2010 by host Bridgette Mongeon in conjunction with her last book Digital Sculpting in Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for artists. The Mudbox book was one of the first books to include information on 3D printing, scanning and milling for artists. The podcasts also rounded out her thesis as she completed her MFA in the merging of the fine art studio and 3D technology.
Give a listen to the old podcasts-
Podcast Guests from the Previous Art and Technology Podcasts-2010
- Authors, Mike de la Flor and Bridgette Mongeon speak about Digital Sculpting in Mudbox book Listen from browser
- Robert Michael Smith- pioneer in technology and CNC stone carver Listen from browser
- Joris Debo- talks about advances at Materialise .MGX Listen from browser
- Kevin Gillespie talks his own experiences with copyright and 3D technology Listen from browser
- Digital Scanning with Next Engine Scanner Dan Gustafson Listen from browser
- 3D printing of skin and fine art? Interview with the director of SymbioticA Listen from browser
Podcast Guests For New Podcasts Coming -2014
- Introductory Podcast – YOUR COMPANY HERE-
- Joshua Harker- 3d Printing of fine art, kickstarter and more
- Bathsheba Grossman- pioneer in 3D printing of art, 3D printing in metal and math in art
- 3D Printing of Jewelry with Lisa Kirkawa
- Experiments in 3D printing fused deposition modeling and investment casting
- MCor technology pushing the limits with 3D printing of paper, in full color
- Artists and Digital Stone Project spokesperson Jon Isherwood talks about 3D, and CNC Milling
- Eric Van Straaten talks about 3D printing in color and fine art
There are many, many more scheduled recordings.
About the Author’s new book
3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft.
The audience for the book is both fine artists and graphic artists. Besides the inspiration, the book helps the reader navigate through the tools, processes and vendors in 3D technology. They can then realize their art in the physical world. The book features many different artists their work and inspiration as well as chapters on 3D printing, CNC milling, 3D scanning, modeling and sculpting, copyrights and more. The artists share what they do, how they make their art and why, and where to find their resources. The book makes the transition of incorporating the technology with the traditional craft less daunting and quite a bit of fun.
The Digital Details for The Podcasts
The podcasts, once posted, are public. The links to these incredible conversations can be used on any website, blogs and easily be shared with others. Each interviewee will receive the links to their podcasts to use however they like. If you have a blog, website, 3D magazine, or Facebook page you are welcome to us them as free content for your publication. Subscribe to the podcasts in iTunes and you will know when one is available.
The podcasts, once published, will continue to appear at digitalsculpting.net. They will also be on the new books website- to be announced, and can be found in iTunes and through the authors Facebook page as well as through the authors twitter feed.
SPONSORS
If your company would like to sponsor the Art and Technology podcasts please contact the podcast host directly. This is a great opportunity for vendors and service bureaus. Also available are sponsorship opportunities on the books accompanying website.
_______________________________________________
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
She is the vice chair of the planning committee for 3DCAMP Houston 2012 and 2013 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter