A positive and productive morning

I really love mornings like this, when a whole world of opportunities are opened to you.

Another morning spent in the 3D modelling department at university, this time I decided to scan one of my carved limestone heads. I have to say it was slow going due to problems with the technology ( a 16 year old laptop that is on its last legs), half an hour and twenty attempts later and there was a passable scan which we were able to edit and fill digitally.

For my research this time we are not only printing this head in silver, we are also printing it using brass and copper filaments so there will hopefully be three extra heads to assess . What also interests me about the copper and brass filaments is the possibility that they can be handled and worked like metal. Not only can they be polished but they can also be oxidised and aged with vinegar to get an antique finish.

The above photo is also of interest as it shows the building of the 3D print. I thought it would be a hollow build a bit like an Easter egg, but no it has a mesh build within it, which will give the print extra strength and opens up more possibilities of how these prints can be incorporated as components within the finished sculptures.

I also learnt today that Tim can aid me in the casting and making of silicone moulds, this is something that really excites as hopefully a one pice mould can be taken of one of the stone heads, this means I can then make repeat casts of the head in a variety of different materials, such as concrete, wax and resin.

Its just such a shame I did not have all this information 8 months ago, or the chance to have this time to experiment thanks to Covid and the lockdown. The main reason for joining this MA was to do this sort of research in to materials and techniques and to be able to push myself and my work practice in to new directions. I many ways I have achieved this on my own, with the help of books and the internet I have been able to learn the rudiments of stone-carving, but just think of where I could be if I had that time to learn more about 3D printing, especially as I have been told that there is a 3D printer on site that can print up to a meter tall. The possibilities are quite breath taking as to what can or could be achieved as my small sculptures could take on a new life in a larger form. The only other thing I have to be mindful of is how I can progress with this learning once the Masters is over and I don’t have access to the equipment and much needed expertise of the technicians. For now I will keep learning and progressing with my areas of research.