3D
Speaking at Penn State
This past week, Penn State University, The Behrend College invited me to Erie PA to speak on my new book, “3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling
My host was Heather Cole from Penn State’s new interdisciplinary degree major- Digital Media, Arts, and Technology. My visit was supported by the Endowment Fund. Penn States interdisciplinary degree combines the broad perspective of the liberal arts with technical skill. The Penn State website describes the Digital Media Arts, and Technology major. The students study technology history and theory at the same time they are learning to use the newest programming languages, digital tools, and computer systems. I’m thrilled that this program is looking at using my book as a textbook for Digital Media, Arts, and Technology major.
There were both students from the campus and others from art groups in the area that attended. Many students from the engineering department were also in attendance, in fact, when I asked how many students in the arts that there were in the audience, 1/3 of the audience raised their hands. There were, in fact, more people interested in engineering than those working in the arts. That is no surprise to me. The book and the lecture are very interdisciplinary. I cover such things as 3D printing, and computer numerically controlled machining, digital presentation, and the workflow of a project from digital concept to fabrication. It is a good lecture for both those in the art, those studying engineering, architecture, design, industrial design and more.
Along with the book signing, I had samples of the 3D prints created by 3D RP of the digital design that I used to create the 15-foot bronze sculpture of the Grambling Tiger. 3DRP also created a 3D print of the March Hare. He is a bit stained with clay as we have been looking at him constantly while we are making the 8-foot tall sculpture. Other examples that I brought of 3D printing were some 3d printed bronze by exone. Some 3d printed wax jewelry, articulated pieces and 3d prints that are examples of the great detail you can get from the different types of 3d printing and 3d printing of objects inside of other objects.
Of course, there were plenty of Alice in Wonderland pieces that I was showing and I encouraged attendees to follow along with this newest project on the Finding Alice Facebook Page. And I always try to have other materials that attendees can take home like a list of all of the contact information such as:
- A description of the website created for the book at digitalsculpting.net that has further information will hold tutorials and has podcasts about art and technology.
- There is also a Facebook page for the book. These are created for others to share their work. It is a place where others and I can address questions that people have about the technology and processes, I also encourage vendors to come and share their processes and expertise.
- Brochures from my vendors like Shidoni foundry, my ( CNC) Computer numerically controlled milling companies such Synappsys Digital Services and Across the Board Creations. The video of milling by Synappsys was a big hit in the presentation, and you can see it for yourself on you tube. (Fast forward to about the two minute mark.)
The Digital Media, Arts, and Technology Department brought their MakerBot fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3d printer and had it running. Many thanks to Heather’s Bread and Circus Club at Penn State who monitored the table while I was in giving the lecture.
My daughter created a wonderful banner for my new speaking engagements, and we had that outside the auditorium.
The attendance was great, the hospitality and the quaint campus a pleasure to visit. The next day on my way back to Buffalo for my next engagement, I took a short jaunt to Presque Isle state Park. It was a lovely little side trip. I drove through the park, looked at the wildlife and learned about the Battle of Lake Erie, from which came the saying “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.” The Penn State Library with their intriguing exhibit complete with a replica of the ship was my first introduction to the-the battle of Erie and Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry.
Thanks, Penn State University, The Behrend College. I look forward to helping your students through the various resources mentioned above. Who knows, maybe their work will be in the next edition of 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling
If you are interested in having me come to your University or group, please contact me through my fine art website. I am traveling around quite a bit and would love to come and talk.
Bridgette’s presentation excellently conveyed the practical aspect of 3D modeling. Being able to see the models she created come to life in a real physical project was very inspiring.
Will Gerould- Student
I was thrilled about the broad turn out of students and community members that were in attendance. Bridgette did a wonderful job of covering the subject from an interdisciplinary approach and I think many came out with a better understanding and appreciation of the work involved.
Heather Cole- Instructor Digital Media, Arts, and Technology
Heather, thanks for bringing Bridgette, it was a great glimpse into the life of a professional artist and some amazing technology.
Dr. Chris Coultson- Professor School of Engineering.
A Wonderful Podcast Extra Segment About Me and B. B. King
I’m so glad that Tracy and Tom put together this page and extra little podcast segment about my interaction with B. B. King and how his death sparked my family into remembering. The message also holds some special things for all artists and artistic families. If you have not had a chance to listen to the short segment, it is not long.
The little podcast above was cropped from our long podcast. Here is a link to Tom and Tracy’s podcast about the book. Though their podcast primarily focuses on fused filament fabrication (type of 3D printing ) they diverted a bit to podcast with me about my book coming out in Sept. called 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling
National Sculpture Society – “Hand Versus Computer”
I’m delighted that the National Sculpture Society invited me to participate in education at the National Sculpture Society Conference June 26-28, 2015.
In 2007/2008 I wrote an article about combining traditional and digital technology called Exploring Digital Technologies as Applied to Traditional Sculpture and a sidebar on Shan Gray’s sculpture The American . The magazine that I wrote this for is Sculpture Review – a publication of the National Sculpture Society. All those years ago I was working on a degree combining 3D technology in fine art. This type of degree was not even heard of and would not have been possible without the support of Goddard College Master of Fine Art in Interdisciplinary Arts degree. Eight years later, my book titled 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling by Focal Press is being published, and I’m headed to the National Sculpture Society Conference to discuss these topics.
I’ll be participating in the conference in Philadelphia on a panel- “Hand versus Computer.” I’m accompanied by some incredible artists.
The panel consists of Sabine Howard, George Nista, Simon Indrele, Sandis Kondrats, Jim Licaretz, and me Bridgette Mongeon. Once again, I’m the only female on a panel talking about technology. Tuck Langland will be moderating the panel.
Though the Society Conference has me listed for the book signing, my book won’t be ready. It is coming out in Sept, but is available for pre-order on Amazon. So, technically I won’t be able to participate in the book signing. However, when I’m not on the panel, I’ll be in the vendor area. I’ll be talking about the process of creating the Grambling State Tiger featured in the book, the many different technologies and the artists that I featured in the book. Of course, I’ll also be talking about my new book and art project of Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter Tea Party. This new project is pushing the combination of art and technology to the max. Check out the video below or on YouTube. My time in the vendor area will be like my interactions at 3D Printer World Expo 2015, 2014.
Thank you Focal Press for believing it is time for this type of book.It took a long time to convince a publisher to publish a book on the topic of art and technology. I also want to thank them for supplying me with a sample of the book prior to the release date so that I can have it for this conference. The book is available on Amazon but, the actual release of the book is September 2015.
There is still time to register for the conference. Also stay tuned. I’m trying to podcast with some of the participants from the conference for the art and technology podcasts. I’ll either do this before if we can fit it in or after. But, as always, keep checking the book’s website as I podcast monthly with those working with art and technology. You are also welcome to use the podcast episodes on your website or ezine.
If you are going to the conference and want to set up a fireside chat around some drinks or a meal, I’d love to organize one. Just let me know. We did this at 3D Printer World Expo and those participating found it helpful. And as usual you can share your own work on 3D tech and fine art projects and questions on both LinkedIn and Facebook. I’ll be glad to help!
See you in Philly!
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.
If you would like to follow the conversation on these topics or have your own artwork you would like to share. Please do so either on linked in or Facebook.
Join the conversation and share your own work on 3D Technology and Fine Art on LinkeIn
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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
Join the conversation and share your own work on 3D Technology and Fine Art on LinkeIn
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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
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
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