Hollowing Out And Preparing A Sculpture For 3D Printing
As I walk this road with the technology, I explore ways to make it fit into my work flow as a traditional artist. There always seems to be something lacking in my process of combining these two. At times this is very frustrating. At one point all the CG artists were shouting, “Try Zbrush and Mudbox it is just like sculpting.” It was indeed very similar to sculpting, but when I am sculpting if I push and pull on clay it does not ruin my armature. Back then, a thing called “retopologizing” seemed to be the holy grail- at least for my process. Retoplogizing simply meant taking the underlying mesh and recreating it to be even, wonderful, sculptable quads. I wanted the process to be as simple as pushing a button. Now, the technology has advanced and at this date and time, retoplogozing is as easy as pushing a button while using Zbrush. I hate having to wait for the technology to catch up with my needs. I cringe when I hear someone say, well if you just use ____ program you could do that. You see, I resisted having to learn, yet another program and spend countless hours doing something that did not feel “just like sculpting.”
Entering the 3D printing world I have had similar problems with preparing models for printing in 3D. In February 2014 I was asked to lecture at 3D printing World Expo. While there I heard the key note speaker Cydni Tetro, founder and Chief Executive Officer of 3DPlusMe and adviser to Disney on technology commercialization, remind everyone that though 3D printing is cool, it is not easy. I demonstrated this same thing the next day in my lecture.
Concerning preparing your files for 3D printing— I’m waiting for the ease of the technology to catch up to my needs. A case in point is the tiger model created for Grambling State Louisiana. I created this sculpture for Grambling and really wanted to see it printed out as a 3D print. I had to modify the design, which I won’t go into right now, I’ll just say, what works for a 15 foot sculpture does not always translate into a small model.
An 8″ 3D print of this sculpture was printed by 3d Rapid Prototyping using a projet 660. At the size shown I am told the costs is about $500. to print. The high cost of this is because it is solid. Hollowing it out or making a shell of it will make it much cheaper to print. However, this process of hollowing out is not as easy as it could be. Well, it is not as simple as pressing a the button. How incredibly excited I was when Rasmus Koch Hansen from the ZBrush forum on Linked in sent this video created by SteveTalkowski my way. I have yet to try hollowing the sculpture out. I do expect to attempt to hollow the tiger out as soon as possible as I would really like to document the book that I am writing “3D technology in Fine Art and Craft.” I’ll report back later on this progress.
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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
Giving A Hand To Someone In 3D Printing
I’m presently at 3D printing World Expo in Burbank California. I am speaking here on 3D technology and art. Speaking on day two of a conferences give you a chance to check out what others are doing and meet individuals. I have enjoyed doing just that. While here to speak I visited the key note presentation and was very impressed with Mick Ebling. Mick is from a company called Not Impossible. Mick went to Sudan and created what “is probably the world’s first 3D-printing prosthetic lab and training facility. More to the point of the journey is that Mick managed to give hope and independence back to a kid who, at age 14, had both his arms blown off and considered his life not worth living.” The video tells the story.
On the panel was also Mark Setrakian, who brought out a very impressive 3D printed mechanical hand/arm from what looked like the movie Hell boy. When he was done Mick asked Mark if he could make the model open source. Of Course Mark said he could not because it belonged to the movie industry, and Mick said one of the best lines of this conference. I will do my best to quote him “Depending on your religious beliefs, You can’t use IP about the functionality of a hand” It should be open source and available to everyone.
I am thrilled to help share the technology of 3D printing with as many people as I know. I am honored to be in the presence of those who take this technology and use it for the good of people. Mick, let me give you a hand, a standing ovation and a prayer that you continue in your good work.
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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
It Will Blow Your Mind!
Yes, I’m writing a book called 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft. It is based on my graduate thesis on art and technology in the traditional studio. I have been gathering information for years and talking to many vendors and individuals who are leaders in 3D technology. All I can say is…
You don’t know what you can do,
until you know what you can do.
When you find out, it will blow your mind.
Picture this…
A book that does the following;
- Inspires through interviews with artists and craftspeople all over the world. Artists who are pushing the envelope with using 3D technology in fine art and craft. The interviews not only inspire you with multiple photographs, but the artists share a list of their vendors, software etc.
INSPIRATION!
- Thinking of trying the incredible technology of 3D Printing. Should you buy a printer, or use a service bureau, and if so which one. What do you need to know to get your feet wet?
Traditional artist wants to dabble in 3D technology. Where do I begin?
- Are you a traditional artist thinking of taking the plunge and incorporating 3D technology in your own at studio, but don’t know where to begin or even if it is applicable?
- Are you a traditional sculptor that would like to be able double or triple your income by giving you time to create instead of working 1/2 of your career making monumental armatures?
- Are you a CG artist and would like to realize your art in a physical form?
- Want to learn more about, CNC milling, or creating a holographic painting?
I have just tripled my income!
- Would you like a one stop resource list of 3D vendors and materials?
This is just a sample of what is in the book.
Not sure of publication date, more to come.
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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
From 3D Printing To CNC Milling
I’m diligently working on the new book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft. I have been plugging away at the 3D printing chapter for almost 2 months now, and I’m glad to say, it is almost done. At least the technical parts are. I still need to contact a vast number of vendors and artists and get release forms and photographs. I timed the completion of this chapter with my lectures that will be given at 3D Printer World Expo 2014. January 31 Feb 1, 2014. I hope to schedule some appointments with vendors while in Burbank and I’m sure I will find a variety of things to add to this chapter upon my return.
When I’m not writing, I’m bidding on projects and doing designs for my own work that will take place in the traditional sculpture studio. These designs are usually started in 3D in the computer. As I push the limits both of the technology and the driver of this technology, myself, I have a ton of questions, problems many that need immediate solutions so that I may proceed.
My work is not like most that are working in 3D on the computer, or shall I say the outcome is not the same. I need to realize my work in physical form. I’m usually challenging the 3D guru guys. But some of my vendors, and cohorts in the tinkering of art and technology often share some of the coolest products and software. Thanks once again Steven Ramariz with Smash Designs. I’ll be getting some of these products and software to try for the book, and some of these are in CNC milling.
As I finish this chapter of 3D printing, I’m chomping at the bit to get going on the CNC milling chapter. There are some pretty cool things to share. I know I won’t be able to hold it all in while I’m writing. So, expect to seem some posts here that reveal a bit of these treasures.
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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
Pushing The Limits and Size of Fine Art And 3D Printing
I have been a fan of Eric van Straaten’s work for a while now. I found his work by doing research for the book that I am writing titled 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft. I am thrilled that he has agreed to be one of the featured artists for the book and to share his process. As most of you know, the reason that I am writing this book is that I have been exploring and using a combination of technology and traditional art for a while now. I have reported on it in several magazines. Also, fine art and technology is what I received my degree in back in 2012.
The technology is constantly changing, and I have to spend a lot of time to keep up with it. That is why I hope that the book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft will become a series and repeat in the future, introducing the latest in technology and new artists who are pushing the limits. Of course, that will depend on my time and the publisher allowing for future editions, but first I need to complete this one, and there is a lot of research involved.
Now on to Eric’s work.
Because I have been a fan of Eric’s work, I have signed up for Eric’s email newsletter. I love to hear what he is doing. Basically, Eric has been creating fine art pieces through 3D printing. What intrigues me about Eric’s work is that the is not just 3D printed artwork in plastic, but instead the pieces are 3dD printed in color He is just not “manufacturing” work, but selling them as fine art. I have often stated that the themes of Eric’s work are a little risque, but in a way they are charming and the soft almost sugary look that printing in color on the ZCorp 650 gives a sweetness and innocence to the piece that I don’t think would be there in another medium.
Again Eric pushes the limits, this time with size. You see the ZCorp 650 can only print 37 x 25 x 20 cm , which is approximately 14.5“ x 10 x 8 inches. So Eric created 10 different interconnecting parts that are glues together. Also, the ZCorp 3D printed parts are not the strongest pieces to work with, that is why they are strengthened. Eric says “they are probably stronger than you think, comparable to ceramics.” But still, he is nervous about transporting them.
I can’t wait to interview all of these creative and wonderful artists for the book, and I’m so thankful they are going to share their process, vendors and materials with us through 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft. Apparently I’m not the only one who is into inspiring and encouraging the marriage of fine art and technology.
Eric’s work will be exhibited at the art fair REALISME in the Passenger Terminal in Amsterdam.
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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
Dedication Of A Tiger
The Grambling State University Tiger has been installed by Bridgette Mongeon. It has been a long process. The process is documented in this blog with the category Grambling Tiger or the artist has kept a project blog for the client. You can find it at http://gramblingtiger.blogspot.com/
How Many Books Did I Read In 2013?
Anyone who knows me know that I love to read. There are piles of books in all areas of my house, and I have a regular rendezvous with the local library. I also have the Overdrive application on my phone. Overdrive allows me to find and listen to audio books through my iPhone. It is linked to my library account so I can listen to them for free. Most of you are jamming out to tunes while you drive. If you see me driving, I’m probably somewhere far away, in a story from another time and place.
I am a sculptor and work many hours with my hands. The interns who work in my sculpting studio are often subjected to my addiction of listening to audio books. I asked one intern, upon his arrival, if he liked or listened to audio books. I could tell by his answer that he was a little distraught that I might make him listen to someone read. I wondered if he felt like he was in school rather than work. Because I sign his paycheck, he was subjected to the cruelty of listening to the written word. After one afternoon he was hooked. He asked, “I want to know what will happen. Are you going to listen to this when I’m not working?”
I document, or try to document, my reading list through another app on my phone called Goodreads. I love Goodreads, it is a social network of readers. I have, at times, received some great suggestions from my Goodreads friends. I do wish I had a little more interactivity with the app. For example, if someone suggests a book on Goodreads and I like it, I would love the opportunity to click a button and be taken to the Houston Public Library or Overdrive to search for the book and order it. I also wish it had a private journal area, kind of like a common place book where I could jot down my thoughts or phrases that I liked from the books that I read. It does however let me keep a list of the books I have read, see suggestions by others and let me keep a list of things I want to read.
What I read
What I read depends on what is available when I log into Overdrive or am taking my walk through the library. At the library you will usually find me in the young adult section. I read young adult or YA as writers call it, because I like to write for this genre. I have nothing published, but I do have one complete. This is my first choice, along with middle grade MG. I have about 3 books inside of me , yet to be written for MG.
When walking through the library I’ll look for those books with stickers on the cover or spine indicating they are an ward winning books. I exhaust those quickly and will move on to what catches my eye. I will also go through periods of time where I’ll order books from the library. If I’m ordering a book, I’m probably ordering 2 or 3. I’ll also listen to books from CD’s. In the case of audio books on CD I will order what I can from the library . This is usually the case when it comes to award winning audio books. You can find several lists on the internet like the audies. There is nothing like listening to great reader or actors in an audio book. In that same light there is nothing like a really poor reader of an audio book to make you hate the medium. That is why I only revert to LibriVox when I am in desperate need of a fix for audio books. LibriVox is great in theory. Books that are in the public domain are recorded by individuals and put up for free on librovox. The problem is that often one book has multiple readers and if one of these readers drones, or has a strange pitch or rise and fall to their cadence of words, it is murder to my ears.
I read/listen to a lot of novels, and my second favorite is a biography. It is strange because as a young adult and child I was absolutely enthralled with nonfiction and especially “how to” books. Guess as I age, I no longer have the need to know how to, but instead I want to dream.
I must also add that now that I am a grandmother I am reading more books to my grandchild. But children’s books are not foreign to me. I have been studying the writing of children’s books for years. I have about 10 written children’s books, no, once again they are not published. I do believe they are some of the best writings I have ever done. I have not published my children’s books for the simple reason that as an artist I feel like I should illustrate my own books and that becomes overwhelming to me. So, they sit unpublished. I digress from my subject.
So what have I read/listened to this year? Documenting my reading list could be a bit of a chore, however, my Goodreads application has a scanner and before bringing my books back to the library I just scan the ISBN number and my book enters my scanned list on good reads. Here is my list. 70 books in 12 months, though I do believe I haver forgotten a few.
The Tiger Arrives Home!
On December 2nd the Tiger left NM to be driven on an open bed semi to Grambling, Louisiana, and Bridgette Mongeon, the artist, left Houston on that Tuesday to meet the tiger.
A long drive later, early on the morning of Wed the 4th the artist and tiger are united once again. Now for the installation.
I love that he/she high fived everyone as he/she went across county.
Patina
The patina is the coloring of the tiger. The color is created by using chemicals and heat. It is a very dark cold and long day/evening when we figure out the patina. Once we decide on the color it will take several days to complete the patina.
Going High For Detail
Once the Grambling Tiger sculpture is sandblasted, I must check it out to be sure that there are not corrections. I walk around the sculpture or in this case, climb around the sculpture looking for places for them to fix. I mark them with a marker and then the foundry men work their magic. I have a very intimate relationship with this height and this tiger head.
