Notes From Bridgette Mongeon’s Lecture at 3DCAMP Houston 2012
Thanks to everyone who attended my lecture at 3DCAMP- Bridging the Gap Between the Digital and Traditional Studio and Fabric to Frankenstein.
I really enjoyed presenting and interacting with all of the attendees.
In my lecture I spoke about a few different things. I thought I would list them with links in case anyone wanted to have further information.
- I spoke a bit about my process of using 3D and how I got involved. I covered my use of Poser, Daz , Mudbox and ZBrush in my presentations and then in obtaining enlargements that were milled with a CNC machine in foam. I have a YouTube video on this, should anyone be interested. It is on my YouTube channel and called Digital Art For the Traditional Sculpture Studio
- I also showed another video in the lecture that demonstrated quick sketches in Mudbox.
- If anyone is interested in some of those processes I have several special project blogs where I document my work. For example:
Project Blog-Evelyn Rubenstein
Project Blog- Prairie View Panther
Project Blog-Grambling State Tiger
- I talked about Data Direct to Mold from Synappsys Digital Services. Here is a pdf of an article that I wrote for Sculpture Review that talks about that process and the digital technology and the work on the large sculpture by Shan Gray called “The American.”
- There are several links to information on the work created by Hauer and the reproductions of his panels in this article: Reviewing Technology at the SIGGRAPH Convention.
- The Mudbox book that I wrote with Mike de la Flor is called Digital Sculpting in Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists.
- I also mentioned about ethics and digital process and spoke about the Frankenstenian art. I have several posts about that, but I would suggest you listen to the podcast that I did with Oron Catts. You can find the link to the podcast in this blog post titled A discussion on living art with sculptor Oron Catts. You will find a link to the podcast that I recorded with him in this blog post. It is fascinating. Here is another article I wrote titled Frankensteinian Art.
- The video that was playing in the conference room that also impressed me on regenerative medicine is with Gabor Forgacs. It can be found on You Tube. It is what I found a few years back when I asked myself the question, ” if you can shove anything through a 3d printer…?”
- The book I referred to in the lecture is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. The authors website has a lot of information about ethics as it pertains to human subjects.
- The school that I am so impressed with that does 3d printing in ceramics is Solheim Laboratories. There was an article about them in the Ceramic Arts Daily. I forgot to mention that several hackers are working on extruders that can be added to the home made printer the the rep rap machine.
- I also spoke about ownership. I should probably write an article about ownership as it pertains to the psychological process of transferring from traditional sculpting to digital. I don’t have one yet. I do, however, have some works on the copyright issues. Antiquities, Masterpieces, Rights of Ownership and 3D Scanning is an article I wrote, but I did not get to talk about this in the lecture. I’m including it here because it intrigues me.
- I also mentioned about 3D and copyrights. I did podcast about that with Kevin Gillespie and that can be found in this blog post. All of the Art and Technology podcasts can be found at DigitalSculpting.net.
- There are several companies that can “Get your work out of the computer.” The company that does my CNC milling is Synappsys Digital Services. They are in Oklahoma. I will however be pricing my work out with Steve at Smash Designs because he is local and I just discovered he offers these services
- There are several companies that create work from the computer. I mentioned my favorite was imaterialize. I think because I podcasted with Joris Debois and because they come from .mgx which does such quality work. FYI I think that .mgx is working in the largest build envelope (size) of rapid prototyping. They are also working with foundries in American to create a new sort of process. You all saw Kraftwurx at the conference and there is Shapeways as well.
- For information on stone CNC milling check out the Digital Stone Project. There is also a service bureau that stemmed from the Digital Stone Project. I’ll include it once they contact me. While I was e-mailing them I asked them for a podcast interview- stay tuned.
- Some of the artists I talked about were Robert Lazarini- skull and phone booth – optical illusion, Nathalie Miebach- weaving data, David Beck- gps of friends, David VanNess- 3dprinting multiple pieces, Caleb Weintraub- cnc milling of large figures and adding stuff to it. Eric Van Straaten 3d printed fine art a bit risque, Stelarc- freaky guy with ear on his arm, Orron Catts – coat of skin- see interview and above.
- If I think of any more I’ll let you know.
Thanks once again for coming to my lecture and also for supporting 3DCAMP Houston 2012. If you know of anyone who would like me to speak on these topics or others please feel free to contact me.
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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 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Fox Coverage of 3DCAMP Houston 2012
I thought I would share the unexpected coverage that 3DCAMP Houston 2012 received this year. Here is the FOX Houston news coverage. More posts on the incredible things that happened at 3DCAMP Houston, 2012 to come.
VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
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 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
Listen to the Art and Technology Podcast
Everything 3D- An All day Houston Symposium For Just $15
- 3DCAMP is for everything and everyone interested in all things 3D
- There are 15 speakers
- Many vendors who are bringing new and advancing technology will be displaying things in the lobby and talking to attendees
- The entire day including the speakers, breakfast, lunch and the art show cost only $15 for attendees.
- It is hosted by the University of Houston Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and The School of Art, and is open to the public.
- We have a ton of door prizes that have been donated by such companies as Pixologic and Smith Micro as well as many, many others.
It is amazing how far the term 3D goes. It is used in many different disciplines- All you have to do is look at the speaker list. We have those working in the arts, in gaming, in oil and gas, entertainment and much, much more.
Some interesting points about the talk of 3D at 3DCAMP
- Did you know that 3D technology is exploring and making advances in something called regenerative medicine? What is that? Need a kidney? This technology is working toward being able to print one for you, out of your own bio mass. They are already doing this with bone and skin.
- Did you know that the government is seeing the advancements and need for 3D and they are offering funding to encourage the education of it in the school systems?
- Did you know you can make a 3d image of yourself just using your cell phone and at no additional cost to you?
- Did you know that machines like a replicator on Star Trek, are very similar to the advancements that are being made in 3D technology?
If you want to learn more, hear more, and be a part of these incredible advancements, come check out 3DCAMP Houston 2012.
If you would like to find out more for the event or to register check out the website http://www.3dcamphouston.com or meet us on twitter or facebook.
My Tribute To An American Hero-Neil Armstrong
One small step for man
One giant leap for mankind
In light of hearing of the death of American Astronaut Neil Armstrong, I am sharing a project that has been under the radar for a few months now.
Neil Armstrong in a flight suite,
but his foot prints will be that of those
left by his boots on the moon.
Recently, individuals from Russia donated a sculpture of the cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and a monument of John Glenn to America. It will be residing in Houston, Texas. The unveiling is expected in October, 2012.
I was very honored to be selected to create a sculpture of Neil Armstrong that will reside on Russian soil. This space camaraderie is a far cry from the 60’s space race and cold war. The two countries are now becoming united in space and through art. A benefactor from Russia wanted to pay for this sculpture to be created and placed on Russian soil, however, I felt that it should be a true gift from America and now I am working with individuals associated with the project to raise the funds in America to create, and ship a sculpture of Neil Armstrong to Russia. I’m donating a portion of my sculpting fees to get the ball rolling and will have more information on ways to donate to the project. I feel very privileged to be a part of this endeavor.
Let’s all remember where we came from, the achievements that we have all made, and the unity we have towards the future of all mankind.
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Bridgette Mongeon
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 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
3DCAMP- Registration Is Open And Check Out These Speakers
For those of you who follow my blog, as Co-chairwoman of 3DCAMP Houston I have been working very hard on 3DCAMP Houston 2012. It is going to be an amazing event. 3DCAMP Houston 2012 is an all day symposium on Saturday September 29th from 8:00-5:00. It is being hosted by the University of Houston Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in conjunction with the School of Art. There will be 15 speakers talking on a variety of topics. Registration is only $15. and includes breakfast and a lunch. We are also having an an art show titled “The Third Dimension” coordinated by Betz Gallery. The show will exhibit everything 3D. It will be open all day on Saturday for those attending the symposium and then to the public after 5:00 p.m. You can check out the prospectus for further information. There is still time to get your artwork sent. We are not just looking for Rapid Prototyping items, but anything 3D. Do you work in architecture, math, or the sciences and have something to contribute? That is create because 3DCAMP is returning with STEAM an educational initiative that encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
I will be talking about some of the speakers through the 3DCAMP website and mailing list, but I thought I would include them here as well. These are our our first three speakers.
OUR SPEAKERS
Here are our first three speakers, mentioned in our recent newsletter. Stay tuned for future newsletters and the website for the next 12.
Johannes Huber
Johannes Huber has worked in the entertainment industry as an artist since 1995. His art credits include games such as Starfleet Command 1 and 2, James Bond: Agent under Fire, and Mechwarrior Commander as well as films like RV, My Ex-Super Girlfriend, Rocky 6 and Seraphim Falls and worked with published authors on creature design and book covers. His other work includes clients such as Nalco and, Introgen Therapeutics, Inc, and other pharmaceutical companies focused on cancer treatment. He is an alumni of the Gnomon School of VFX high-end CG program and teaches illustration, Sculpting Human Anatomy and Autodesk Maya for the Houston Community College System. TOPIC: Digitally Sculpting in ZBrush and Human Anatomy
Mike de la Flor
Mike de la Flor is a freelance medical illustrator, animator, instructor and writer. He’s the author of The Digital Biomedical Illustration Handbook and other CG books and articles.Mike has also been an adjunct instructor of computer graphics at Kingwood College. TOPIC: Medical Illustration and Animation
Steven Ramirez
Steven Ramirez is the owner of Smash Design a Hollywood prop and set fabrication company. Steven first realized the need for new 3d fabrication methods while he worked on Hollywood movies sets for Film Director Robert Rodriguez at the world renowned studio Trouble Maker Studios there Steven discovered the need for 3d CNC machines which opened up new doors in the set construction world. But it wasn’t until working directly for ex-NASA Senior Robotics Engineer Chris Lovchik that his knowledge of 3d cnc all came together. Steven worked as an industrial designer for Lovchik’s tech company that fabricated the famous Carvewright cnc machine. Steven’s company Smash Design has since constructed numerous large scale projects for clients such as NASA, Saks 5th Avenue, Versace, Maersk, Cosentino, TLC, Warner Brothers, and NBC TV’s Extreme Home Makeover Edition. He uses large CNC’s to carve and create his 3d computer drafted models and themed environments and polishes them with old world sculpting and finishing techniques. TOPIC: Hollywood 3d Props
What Is A Work Station/Studio?
Someone recently asked if they could see how others set up their work station. I have always been intrigued with seeing pictures of other people’s studios as well. In light of that, I am posting my work spaces.
This is where I spend 98% of my life. Yes, I have a life, but I love what I do. The space is divided up into quadrants really. Upstairs is office, downstairs is studio and inspiration. I love my yard and have lots of animal company at the studio while I work. For more on that, look at the pictures below.
Oh yes, there is one more space, but I won’t show it. You see I’m a writer, and I do my best writing in bed. So on with the creative spaces.
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 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.
SIGGRAPH Conference- Looking For Interviews
SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques) is a very large computer graphics conferences. I have attended many SIGGRAPH conferences both as an attendee and as press. As a freelance writer and a podcaster I’m always looking for interesting new technology to discuss. My added interests this year are also emphasized by being Vice Chairwoman of 3DCAMP Houston 2012. I’m looking for things that might be of interest for our September 29th conference in Houston and artists for our international call for art for “The Third Dimension” Art show.
In the past SIGGRAPH has introduced me to some of the most interesting people and technology, and indeed it was the driving force for reference material as I completed an MFA-IA that focused on Art and Technology.
My thoughts on SIGGRAPH and Technology
I thought this might be a good opportunity to posts articles that relate to some of the topics at SIGGRAPH and art and technology that I have written in the past. I’ll also list my focus for my up and coming SIGGRAPH trip. If you know of a booth or an artist I should visit, please let me know. At this moment, I am not coming as press, but an attendee, unless someone needs an article or two from the conference, I’d be happy to oblige. My exploration at SIGGRAPH will still be as press, for my freelance articles and podcasts, as well as for a book I have been working on about Art and Technology. I’m just not working in an “official” SIGGRAPH Press capacity, unless someone contacts me to do so between now and SIGGRAPH.
Previous Articles and posts about SIGGRAPH Topics
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Review Pixologic ZBrush 4 Packed with features for both Mac and Windows Users.”
Studiodaily (November 2010) 30. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Exploring Digital Technologies as Applied to Traditional Sculpting.”
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 30. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “The American.”
Sculpture Review. (Winter 2007) 32. pdf
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Using the Computer and Poser in the Sculpture Studio.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online. (May2008)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “A Review of New Technology for the Traditional Studio at the Siggraph Convention.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online . (November 2008)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Milling-An Additional Tool of Advanced Technology For the Traditional Sculptor.”
Best of Artists and Artisans online. (January 2009)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Frankensteinian Art ”
Creative Endeavors. (May 2010)
Mongeon, Bridgette. “Antiquities, Masterpieces, Rights of Ownership and 3D Scanning”
Creative Endeavors. (May 2010)
Books
Bridgette Mongeon, contributing author. Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists. Focal Press 2010.
Book Chapters
Bridgette Mongeon, contributing writer. “A Brief History of Medical Illustration.” The Digital Biomedical
Illustration Handbook. Author de la Flor, Mike: Charles River Media, 2004.
Podcasts about Art and Technology
Besides writing articles I also have an Art and Technology podcast that I began during my graduate work. I am very interested in reviving these podcasts now that Graduate school is over. I’ll enjoy once again having that “fire side chat” with others in the industry.
You can see a list of the Art and Technology Podcasts on my other website Digital Sculpting.net or your open the player and begin to listen
My interests for stories and interviews for SIGGRAPH-
Please note: Conferences are busy places. We can meet at SIGGRAPH and set up a time outside of SIGGRAPH to interview further.
- Anything relating to digital sculpting- software, hardware etc.
- Output- rapid prototyping advancements, milling, holographic imaging etc.
- Art and technology-artists and processes
- Scanning
- Robotics
- Antiquities and 3D
- Education of 3D and especially STEAM
- Papers relating to psychology and the process of creating in 3D
- There is always something new that I get so excited about when I go to SIGGRAPH-what is the cool new thing that will thrill me this year?
Here is a look at a video I found on SIGGRAPH Emerging technologies.
A Completion Of A Bronze
After about three metal checks the sculpture finally meets my approval for patination. It is once again sand blasted and the patination is applied. To get the color or patina the foundry man heats up the bronze with a torch and applies different chemicals. Often at this point I cannot tell what the sculpture will look like complete with the wax covering. So the foundry man wets the sculpture down with a hose. This gives the same appearance of the waxing process. The final process is a coat of hot wax.
chemicals are applied to
produce the appropriate
color of a traditional patina
Now on to figuring out installation. According to the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center they are having an event called the maccabie conference. It begins august 5th and goes to the 10th. I’m not sure why we can’t install it now, as the sculpture will be there for the up and coming conferences, but they have asked us to wait. So, I expect installation at the end of August. More on the installation and unveiling of Evelyn.
You can follow along with this entire process of creating a life size bronze for the ERJCC on the Evelyn Rubenstein project blog located at http://erjcc.blogspot.com/
Only The Artist Gets To Draw On A Bronze!
I was thrilled to be called into the foundry today to see the progress of Evelyn. She is well on her way to being complete for the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. Unfortunately they are having a major event at the ERJCC so we will not be able to install her until the middle/end of August.
These are the things I look for when I go to the foundry for a metal check
- Does each piece look the way I sculpted it?
- Are there any metal burrs that need to be removed?
- Does the texture match my texture where it has been welded?
- Do her hands look natural in their placement on her body.
- How do all appendages look?
- Are there any holes or things that need to be fixed?
I walk around the sculpture and mark it with a marker. The foundry man will come back in and fix the things I request. She is so close. Next post will be about the patination or the final color of Evelyn.
An Art Show Featuring 3D And Technology
I received this press release from the media at 3DCAMP Houston 2012. As vice chair, I’m pretty absorbed in the planning of 3DCAMP and am excited to have the opportunity to see some really incredible work. I’m posting this here so that I can encourage others to show what great things they are doing. Please feel free to pass on this post and press release. This art exhibit is open to anyone and is a national call. It is not just what one would refer to as 3D art, but 3D printed art as well, and I hope some people send things like 3D art that has to do with our theme of STEAM—Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math. How about some 3D printed buildings? Can’t wait to see what others do. Hey, if you own a rapid prototyping company please pass this on to those who are using your equipment, they should be sure to mention your equipment in the definition of the art. Remember this is not just 3Dprinted work,it is anything 3D – well you know 3D technology stuff- we traditional artists have been calling work 3D long before technology called it 3D. More information can be found on the 3DCAMP 2012 website. Oh and it is not limited to physical objects, there is an area for film and can’t wait to see what images some people are creating with 3D software.
If you live near Texas and want to attend 3DCAMP Houston registration will be opening up soon.The date of the art show is 28th of September. It will be open to the public and then open for 3DCamp Houston symposium the following day Saturday September 29th, 2012. It is hosted by the University of Houston Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in conjunction with the Department of Arts. We also have room for more sponsors if you know of anyone who is interested.
3DCAMP and Houston Art and Culture announce a national call to artists
“The Third Dimension” is in conjunction with 3DCAMP Houston’s symposium, an all-day conference featuring presentations and live demos from expert speakers. The symposium is scheduled for the following day, Saturday, September 29. The exhibition will remain open to the public during the symposium.
3DCMAP Houston is a participant-driven gathering of 3D professionals and students from a wide range of disciplines including fine art, education, science, engineering, medical, computing and many more. 3DCAMP’s commitment to educate the public about the latest 3D technologies will include presentations showcasing technology that can aid artists in the creative process to achieve new and exciting results in their work.
Houston Art and Culture, a nonprofit organization with the mission to enrich the local art community through mentoring and scholarships, recently partnered with 3DCAMP Houston in order to expand both organizations’ initiative for educational outreach. President and founder of Houston Art and Culture and 3DCMAP co-chair Lori Betz will be a juror.
“This exhibit will feature artwork that uses some of the techniques and technologies that the speakers will be talking about, and the art work is amazing. It’s like nothing you have ever seen before,” Betz said.
Deadline for submission is scheduled for September 3.
For full details on the exhibit and the prospectus for submissions, visit the 3DCAMP 2012 website.
If you need more infomration about this press release or the art show feel free to contact Houston Arts and Culture.
Media Contact:
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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 http://www.3dcamphouston.com
She is also the owner and creator of the God’s Word Collectible Sculpture series http://www.godsword.net
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter and twitter.com/creategodsword
Listen to The Creative Christian Podcast or the Inspiration/Generation Podcast
Click on Podcast Host Bios for a list of all podcasts.