Education
My Book on 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft is Now Available on Amazon
I have been waiting on this for a while. My new book on 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling is now available on Amazon for Pre order. I’m already starting on a new book. This new book is similar to this book, however it follows one job right through. The job is creating a monumental bronze sculpture of the Mad Hatter’s tea party for a Texas Park. I do not yet, at this date, have a publisher for the Finding Alice process book. You can follow along on the new book and project on this blog or the Finding Alice process page.
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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.
Follow the artists on Twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Artist Is Searching For 3D Printer to Promote in A New Book
Bridgette Mongeon, is the author of the new book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling – Focal Press Sept 2015 and the host of the Art and Technology Podcasts. She is embarking on a new sculpture and book project and is searching for the perfect home 3D Printer to review and promote in the book and in the creation of a high profile monumental sculpture.
The sculpture is a monumental bronze of Alice In Wonderland’s Mad Hatter tea party. July 4th 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Lewis and Carroll’s story of Alice in Wonderland. The media opportunities on the project alone are monumental.
The artist is also creating a new book project associated with the monumental sculpture tentatively called Finding Alice- Incorporating 3D Technology and Traditional Sculpture in Creating a Monumental Bronze Sculpture. Finding Alice is similar to her previous book but instead focuses on one sculpting project and the technology used to create the art.
Just how is 3D printing being used in a monumental bronze sculpture? The artist is creating 150 elements that will be hidden in the bark of the sculpted bronze table, benches and nearly 20 foot scene. These items will be created using a combination of 3D scanning, sculpting and 3D Printing and then embedded into the clay before the artwork is made into a bronze.
The Duration of this Arrangement
The artist is searching for a 3D printer for the duration of the sculpting of the project which is approximately 12 months. The printer will need to be available March 2015 and preferably come pre assembled, unless there is someone in the Houston, Texas area that can put the printer together at no cost.
What is the artist looking for in a 3D printer?
- Good Communication with Technical Support
Creating a monumental bronze sculpture, and writing a book is not a “quick” task. That is why a clear channel of communication with the manufacturer of the 3D printer and their technical support team is essential. Reviews and tutorials need to be written and clearing a channel of communication can help the artist reach her “monumental deadline “of the sculpture project and clearly write the details of the 3D printing process.
- Ease of Use
Because the author/artist will be writing extensively about using the printer it is important that the 3D printer work properly. Of course with all technology—things happen. That is why the first criteria in this project is good communication with technical support. - Type of 3D Printer?
In writing the 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft and creating her 3D printed artwork the artist is aware that designs need revising and often more than one 3D print is required. That is why the artist would prefer to have two 3D printers to review. One fused deposition modeling printer and another printer that uses stereolithography. With the stereolithography printer it is especially beneficial if the 3D printer also use castable resin for further experiments and promotion. - Great Resolution Each of the 3D printed pieces will be embedded into the clay. The deadline to complete this project is tight and therefore the best resolution with the least amount of post processing is preferred.
The Promotion Opportunities
- Inclusion in Mongeon’s book Finding Alice
- Inclusion in the media press that features the combination of new technology with age old sculpting for creating this legacy of a story.
- Possible inclusion in the next edition of 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft—if the publisher Focal Press requests a follow up edition.
- Inclusion and mention on Ms Mongeon’s book tour- Providers of the 3D printers are welcome to supply their own printed collateral material for distribution. Mongeon is scheduling a book tour with universities, maker spaces and communities dealing with 3D Technology. She is a returning speaker at 3D Printer World Expo, was the cochair of 3D Camp 2012-2013 and is involved in the educational initiative of STEAM which encourages the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math in education.
- Add space on the book’s accompanying website.
- A podcast episode with the host of the Art and Technology Podcast featuring the companies 3D printer and artist that use it.
If you are interested in this arrangement please contact the artist through the contact form on her website.
Other information about Bridgette Mongeon
FINE ART/WRITING/SPEAKING
Sculptor’s fine art website
BOOKS
Digital Sculpting With Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques for Artists.
NEW BOOK
3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploration of 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling. Sept 2015
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ART AND TECHNOLOGY
Art and Technology Podcast
Expanding Your Horizons In Math And Science – Lewis Carroll And Art
This past weekend I had the opportunity, once again, to present with my wonderful friend and studio helper Allison Gonzalez at the Houston Expanding Your Horizon’s Conference for teenage girls.
“Expanding Your Horizons Network is known as the preeminent source for resources and experiences that provide focused engagement of middle school girls from all backgrounds in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).” Of course–I am an artist and understand the importance of having an A (art) in the STEM curriculum. I am a proponent of STEAM.
I titled my topic- “Art, Technology, Medicine, Math, and Literature”
There is geometry behind my digital sculptures. A great resource for learning about this is through Guerrilla CG videos such as this one on Subdivision Surface Overview.
It was a lot to cover but with my newest art project I could cover it all. I am creating a monumnetal sculpture of the Mad Hatter’s Tea party. I talked about how I created this presentation in the computer using digital programs and also how I work in the studio using traditional and digital processes just as I featured in my new book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling Focal Press 2015.
We talked a bit about Lewis Carroll and that this is the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland and about how Charles Dodgson ,the real man behind the pen name of Lewis Carroll, was a mathematician. I shared some of the secret math and other things that are in his cool stories. I then shared the math/geometry and code behind my digital artwork.
with code and created in layers.
They played with a layer puzzle.
The girls learned about 3D printing and how it works in layers and the many different applications of 3D printing.
We looked at how 3D scanning works with both laser and light and used pin art to see how the pins made a replica of our hand.I posed the question, if I had smaller and more pins would the detail of the hand be better or worse?
Some of the girls that also attended my presentation last year remember using photogrammetry and a cell phone to scan their feet
We looked at how geometry works in the computer, about the underlying mesh of a 3d piece of art and how if we add more squares to a mesh we are able to sculpt more detail, but we must use more computer memory.
The girls got to see lots of 3D printed pieces and even took one home thanks to the generosity of Lulzbot.
Finally the girls made a Dodecahedron [doh-dek-uh-hee-druh n,]. We Provided a free printable on the Alice In Wonderland Website.
The girls were provided with a list of links that they could use to help them learn about math, 3D and explore on the computer. Below are the links I shared.
I met the people at Lulzbot. They are all
about education and generously donated
some 3D prints that I could give the girls.
The girls came in and out of the room to a series of videos. My choice videos for this presentation were
The Making of the movie Paranorman using 3D Printing
Derby the Dog how a dog got legs using a 3D printer
And another on how they are using 3D printers for body parts
3D Printer Replaces body parts
LINKS GIVEN TO GIRLS – These are from my book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft…
Art, Technology, Medicine, Math, and Literature –by Bridgette Mongeon
Be curious- Think Impossible things.
Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
If you want to investigate 3D Technology further, below you will find information and websites.
www.digitalsculpting.net My website on my book and digital technology
www.creativesculpture.com My fine art website.
Free or Inexpensive Gems that Encourage Individuals to Play with Math.
Knot Plot Helps to visualize knots http://www.knotplot.com/download
Surface Evolver Visualizes minimal surfaces http://www.susqu.edu/brakke/evolver/evolver.html
TopMod A topological mesh modeler http://www.viz.tamu.edu/faculty/ergun/research/topology
SeifertView Visualization of Seifert Surfaces http://www.win.tue.nl/~vanwijk/seifertview/
Excellent tutorials on geometry and computation http://www.christopherwhitelaw.us/?p=567
Software
Blender Free- open source 3D Modeling, animating and much more http://www.blender.org *Sculptris Free http://pixologic.com/sculptris Hard surface and organic.
*Daz Studio 3D Free http://www.daz3d.com
Other Free Fun Stuff
JWEEL Free browser based jewelry design program https://www.jweel.com/en/
Autodesk 123 Series Free http://www.123dapp.com/
123D Catch- Scan from your cell phone
123D CNC-Create files for CNC milling
123D Creature- Create creatures using this app
123D Design – Create 3D models using this free app
123D Make – Helps you to make physical models out of designs. 123D Sculpt – Sculpt using your iPad
123D Meshmixer – helps to prepare your files for 3D printing
123D Tinkercad- helps you to design 3D object for printing
Learn Code for Art Processing 2 http://processing.org/
The Annotated Alice Lewis Carroll, John Tenniel, Martin Gardner editor
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
Follow the artists on Twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
A Magnum Opus and Celebrating 150 years of Curiosity
I have been sculpting for thirty years, and am now embarking on what I refer to as my magnum opus.
Some readers may have heard me mention this sculpture over the last two years. The project is a larger than life size Mad Hatter Tea Party in bronze. Families can come to visit the sculpture and bring their lunch and join in the tea party. I’ll post more on the location of the park in another post.
I work both digitally, sculpting in the computer and traditionally sculpting in clay. Many times I use both. I just completed a book on these techniques titled 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling. Focal Press 2015. This project uses all of these techniques and more.
I started with a quick digital design. Over the last two years, the digital design has morphed into several different sizes and versions. The design will morph quite a bit more from the digital design, as I take each character and make them my own and sculpt them in clay.
The Scope of the Project
The characters are larger than life measuring approximately 8 feet tall. I revert to the original John Tenniel illustrations for my inspiration. However, the Hatter scene I am creating is really contrary to the original illustration of the Tea Party. In Tenniel’s illustrations, all of the characters are at one end. In my sculpture, Alice, the Hatter, March Hare and Dormouse are spaced out. In fact, each character interacts with a guest that is not yet present at the tea party. The scene needs interaction from visitors to be complete. The sculpture lures individuals to bring a meal and share at the table. The table seats between 6-8 guests. The sculpture titled “Move One Place On” entices visitors to change places in the middle of their visit, just as the characters did in the story.
A Treasure Hunt
There is much more to this scene than meets the eye. Along with the tea party, there is a dedication plaque in the shape of an oversized storybook set upon an old tree trunk. There are small tree stump steps for children to climb to see the words. Sitting on a leaf of this storybook is a mouse that reads the dedication. Moving to the top of the storybook, you will see the feet of a small rabbit jumping into a hole. Move around the tree trunk, and you will not only see a rabbit in the cutaway section of the tree, but you will see a tiny Alice falling down the hole. And so… the treasure hunt begins. Found within all of the bronze pieces in Alice’s Wonderland are many different hidden objects and even more meanings behind each of those objects. How many of these can one find on this curious journey? Well, 150, of course. I have dedicated 150 in honor of the 150th anniversary. On July 4th of this year, the world celebrates the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
The Schedule
By the official anniversary date of July 4, 2015 I hope to have enough of the scene sculpted so that camera crews can come in and film. My team and I will continue the sculpting. I have awarded the bronze casting to Shidoni Foundry in New Mexico where more documentation of the process will take place. I am working diligently to hit the target date of installation scheduled for summer of 2016. It would be wonderful if that date were close to the 151st anniversary of the story.
New Book Projects
As you may know, I recently completed a book titled 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling- Publisher Focal Press. I expect this book to come out Summer 2015. It is my goal to use this sculpture, Move One Place On and create two books- for which I am presently seeking a publisher. The first book, is tentatively titled Finding Alice: An Artist’s Curious Journey of Combining Traditional and Digital Art to Create a Monumental Bronze Sculpture. In my previous book, I focused on the many different types of digital technology that I and other artists around the world use to create art. This new book focuses on one job from conception to installation and all of the steps in between. I will be sculpting using the traditional sculpting processes and using some of the digital processes I cover in my previous book. I include even more technology in this project. For example, I created Humpty Dumpty digitally and will have him 3D printed. I will then embed the 3D printed piece in the clay before it goes to the foundry and is cast in bronze. There will be many treasures created this way. The second book in this project is Finding Alice- A Field Guide This book gives clues to the 150 different elements found in the scene. It is written in Carrollian style using such things as rhyme and riddle. In the light of that, let me give your first clues in the Finding Alice Field Guide.
Searching for Lily before the game
A mother to two- they are the same.
Here she reclines-facing east
Believing this many ‘fore morning feast.
This riddle holds four of the 150 elements in the field guide. The book contains a place for an individual to fill in the blanks. I’ll give you these answers. You will have to find the other 146 answers on your own.
1. Who is this character?
The White Queen
2. What is pertinent to the creation of this hidden object?- See Finding Alice- Process book.
She is the White Queen but is also in the image of the artist’s mother.
3. Where is this physical piece located?
I guess I can’t answer this for you as I have not placed her, and how on earth I will get her to face east is going to be a challenge.
4. What is the literary reference?
(Hint—it is a number. Include the sentence written by Carroll.)
Six “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” (Chapter 5)
Of course, I have been writing the books as I work on the commission. However, I need to place the bronze sculpture before the book is complete. That delay means I won’t have final images of the installation for the book until July 4th 2016 and it does take a while for a book to be published. Maybe the books will be ready by July 4th, 2017? I’ll let you know after I secure a publisher.
Media and Press Page
I am delighted with this project and the work it will entail. If you are interested in publishing a story about the project, I will soon have a media page with some images. I will be adding more images to the page as we progress on the project. If the media page is not up yet, it just means that I have been terribly busy. Just fill out the contact form and I’ll zip some images and information off to you. If you know of anyone who would like to document the creation of this sculpture as a film documentary, please let me know. I think it would make a very interesting film.
Speaking Engagements
I’d be delighted to share the project through speaking engagements and lectures. I’m already planning a speaking tour about art and technology and will be delighted to share this portion. Maybe I’ll even pass on a few more hints for the field guide.
Curriculum
There are many ways that educators can use this sculpture and the works of Lewis Carroll to encourage education in such things as history, literature, and math. Educators can also use the technology and art aspect of this project. The artist will be providing curriculmn associated with this project on this website.
Interns
If you live in the Houston, Texas area and are an artist that is available from March- September and would like to intern on this project, contact me through my contact page. Be sure to let me know your availability and give me links to your work.
Publicist
I’m also looking for an assistant to help with the publicity for this project and will be interviewing individuals immediately.
I’ll share more later, but for now… I must jump in the hole with Alice.
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
Follow the artists on twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Having Fun With Alice In Wonderland- Morphing The March Hare
How does a sculpture morph? As I stated in previous posts, sometimes I will create a 3D digital model to work out the design process. This lets my client and I change and modify sizes, placement, interaction and poses. These digital models are done quickly usually using preexisting models that I can change to fit my needs. The photographs on this blog post show the morphing of the March Hare. For the monumental bronze sculpture of Move One Place On- a scene in Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
I would continue to create the sculpture digitally, but sometimes I just like the feel of the clay. So I then went back down to the traditional studio, my office is upstairs my studio is downstairs. Downstairs I worked on the March Hare, in clay. Besides making the monumental sculpture of this scene I will also be making a number of table-top versions in bronze for sale. Sculpting downstairs in traditional clay and seeing things in a physical form helps me to see how this smaller version will work as well as the interaction of pieces in a physical world.
Once I got something I was interested in, I brought the clay piece back upstairs and scanned him with a 3D scanner. I will need a digital model to enlarge him, but I also did not want to sculpt a tiny cup, saucer and watch traditionally. I put these items into the model in the computer.
I love the action of this piece. Remember also that he is interacting with the visitor, that will be seated on a bench next to him. You also remember that I mentioned in a previous post that I will be hiding things in the sculpture. When you see this sculpture be sure to check out the stump that he is sitting on. I am sure I will be hiding things there. I also have a bunch of other ideas for hidden objects in this piece of the March Hare. I can’t wait to sculpt him life-size. As soon as the other figures are ready I will send the 3D files off for enlargements. Stay tuned.
Bridgette Mongeon is a sculptor, writer, illustrator and educator as well as a public speaker.
Her blog can be found at https://creativesculpture.com.
Follow the artists on Twitter twitter.com/Sculptorwriter
Inspiring Young Minds in Fine art and 3D Technology
Carol Andrews, Visual Arts Director Newspring Center in Spring Branch Texas, invited sculptor Bridgette Mongeon to speak at North Brook High School. New Spring Center and Mongeon have the same desire- inspire young minds to “define and achieve a bright economic future. A few different classes joined in for a creative and visually stimulating lecture by Mongeon. The facilitating teacher Scott Keairnes asked Newspring to find a sculptor to speak to the students, what he got was a bit more.
Mongeon is a well-known bronze sculptor has just finished writing a book titled “3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling.” She has been combining 3D technology in fine art for years and enjoyed talking to young people about the many different aspects of 3D. “A student who learns about 3D, whether it be 3D scanning, 3D printing or even 3D sculpting and Computer Numerically Controlled Milling, will find that their education is crosses disciplines. They can take these tools and use them in multiple different ways. The young people that embrace and learn this technology will put themselves ahead of others when it comes to looking for a job. The
government is also seeing the importance of the technology and is investing, exploring and supporting education in 3D. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to inspire the students,” states Mongeon.
The artist talked about a variety of subjects other than just fine art and technology. Architecture, science, and medicine and other disciplines use 3D technology.
“I want to encourage the students to understand that using their art as a career does not just mean being a studio artist. This is something I did not grasp in high school. There are a variety of careers that use the arts, and even more that incorporate 3D technology.” A variety of subjects other than just fine art and technology. Architecture, science, and medicine and other disciplines use 3D technology
The sculptor also announced that she uses interns at her studio on a regular basis. “ I love mentoring young people. Give me someone with a passion, and I can teach them the art. Internships are some of the best ways for young artists to get ahead.” Find someone who is doing what you think you might like to do and ask them how you can help. Tell them you will take out their trash if necessary. You just want to be in that environment.” Mongeon ends the lecture with a motivational conversation that she uses in many of her lectures when she teaches marketing in the arts. “There is something in the adage of ‘it is not what you know, but who you know.’ You may think that because you are young that is harder, but it gives you an advantage. She shares a story bout a girl who planned for her pony. She closes with the statement, ‘Plan for your Pony and you will become known by all of the pony keepers.'”
At the end of the session, one student out of the many approached the artist and asked, “how do I learn about an internship? This is the motivation the artist seeks. “ I have used interns for many of my projects over the last several years.” States Mongeon. “ The students are always changing; I would love to find that one passionate person who would be interested in making a career out of art. Someone that is dependable and a good worker and that I could work with for many years to come. I’ll still use other students, but I am open to finding that one special person.”
“When the book comes out I would like to create a book tour. I’ll be looking at other high schools and higher education to lecture at next year. I’m thrilled with the possibility of this book becoming a resource for inspiration and education of so many in the different disciplines that incorporate the arts and technology.“
Mongeon’s book 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling will be coming out June 2015. The artist is thrilled that those reviewing the book have found it to be a good resource as a text book.
“Bridgette Mongeon has taken the complex subject of 3D printing and made its secrets available in clear readable form for the artist and the public. She has given the reader the most up to date and useful information along with the necessary little secrets to make the appropriate decisions in applying this new medium to the art of making sculptural forms. It is an informative and enjoyable book from start to finish. Her choice in examples gives the viewer some of the most contemporary sculptural works available. An excellent textbook for every level.”
Mary Visser, Professor of Art, Holder of the Herman Brown Chair
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Southwestern University
“This is a much needed comprehensive introduction to “state of the art” digital sculpture. The author is a professional sculptor whose practice bridges a wide range of traditional and contemporary, analogue and digital, approaches to creating and realising her work. With an extensive knowledge, experience, and understanding of her discipline, its history and current applications, she is ideally placed to impart of this knowledge to anyone with an interest in digital fine art sculpture. The text and illustrations are clear and instructive, taking the reader on a step- by-step journey through otherwise difficult to navigate technologies. Between its pages this publication covers a wide range of digital tools currently in use by fine artist and craftspeople. It does much to dispel a lot of the smoke and magic surrounding the technology, demystifying this in an easy to follow account of the pros and cons in all of the categories covered. Each chapter in turn offers an in-depth explanation of its topic, written with the first-time user in mind it is also an invaluable resource for the professional sculptor and educator….a must for anyone with an interest in 3D digital creation and fabrication.
Keith Brown
Director of Art & Computing Technologies
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Institute for Research & Innovation in Art & Design”
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
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