Although in many ways this course was for me an exploration into combing materials to create new structures, new forms and new textures, it was also about exploring the possibilities and limitations of the 3D printer.
Before this course I had never attempted to use a 3D printer, its rigid style of formatting data into a physical thing was unsettling.
I had always believed that the 3D printer lacked the organic and natural flare of craftsmanship.
During the exploration period of this course I found myself drawn to the idea of natural forms and organic shapes which were closely inspired by artists such as Antony Gormley and Margaret O’Rorke who had played with this idea and transcended it through there use of sculpture.
From being inspired by this I then discovered the possibilities of organic shapes and forms that I too could create using 3D software.
I converted simple primitive shapes into their wire frame version which I immediately took note of its similarities to a cell like structure.
It was this organic scaffolding that I believed to be too complicated for the 3D printer to create without using support material.
The slight over-hangings of the shape itself was also a worry of mine, would the print fail? Would the PLA droop down causing residing gaps which would deform the shape?
After many attempts at printing this simple form I began to notice the changes that occurred with each iteration of the print. Although all attempts were programmed on the same file, not one iteration was the same, they were all unique.
This could be for multiple reasons but I believe that there is something organic and natural about this event which I believe to be quite interesting.
To further enhance these already organic prints I combined it with a plaster mixture to explore the ways the two materials would react to one another.
The plaster in its most liquid state merely leaked through the holes of the wire frame and created a puddle beneath the structure. However as the plaster began to thicken it linked itself on to the frame creating a thin coating which can be seen taking shape of the actual frame it self.
With the combination of 3D print and a traditional practice I was able to further explore the possibilities of creating an organic form.
