finally.

So I've been wanting to go out and take pictures of all the hydrants I've been noticing in the area. I finally got the chance to this past weekend and I thought I'd share with you the lovliness.











I like the unique qualities in each. I mean they're all so similiar but so completely different. I'm going to South Carolina this weekend and plan on adding some southern hydrants to my photo montage.

look. more.

Rebecca Strzelec

http://www.personal.psu.edu/ras39/index.html

I need to somehow get ahold of those bandages. There was one part of her artist statement that I really liked. She initially created all of these brooches as a redefinition of the corsage. I love that idea. I think her design process is really well thought out, and the forms she has created are extremely successful. She uses CAD programs to design and print her designs and then uses adhesive bandages to place these forms directly onto the body. She stated that she wanted to question the notions of what jewelry needs to be. I think her concept of applying these forms directly to the skin is a great reaction to this thought. No clasps, chains, or pins attatched.

look. again.

Joe Wood. Check it out.

http://www.joewoodstudio.com/

I like the simplicity in his designs. The red pin at the top was one of his earlier works, and he did not use a CAD program to design or print that form. For the rest of these pieces, he used CAD to create the designs, print them, and either that was final product, or he enameled onto the printed material, or he used these print outs to then make silver castings (ex.the rings). I love his use of enamel. He has such control in getting that nice orange peel or sugar coat finish. Love it.

article response.

“Influence of the Digital Toward a New Medium”
By Douglas Bucci and Matthew Hollern

This was the second article written by Bucci and Hollern. It, like the first, included many examples of various artists incorporating digital technology into their work. Their argument remains that this new medium can positively contribute to contemporary art. Stanley Lechtzin discussed how meaningful form can be created for digital space “free from constraints of material world.” Digital modeling can be used as a “workspace,” a place to sketch, search, and explore new designs and ideas. I know I’m just beginning in my exploration of computer 3D modeling, but I think it really is a great tool to use in the design process. They spoke about many innovative artists in this article.

Rebecca Strzelec – I looked at her work when I was making my neckpieces. She uses bandage adhesive devices to mount jewelry directly on the body. I’m having trouble finding out exactly what she buys. I am unhappy with my temporary solution of adhering my neckpieces to the neck, so I would love to find out exactly where to order/find these bandages. I love her concepts of pieces of adornment that are in accord with the body.

Richard Nelipovich – He actually allows the computer to control the outcome of some of his work. Simply by mutating an original code in the computer, it evolves his designs into new forms. In contrast to this highly modern use of technology, Nelipovich uses a lot of the traditional lost wax casting process in the creation of his work.

Rod McCormick – He creates complex CAD 2D patterns and then transforms them into his 3D vessels. He basically uses digital technology to elaborate on basic design principles of sheet metal fabrication. He simply uses the computer as an aid to see his vision of form.

Joe Wood – He also sees digital as a tool and medium. He created the “lumpy” red bracelet I remembered from some images Doug had shown us in class. In that piece he actually enameled on a form that he created in a CAD program.

So what does it mean to embrace a new technology? I think this article accurately conveys that there is no one answer to that. Artists have been able to embrace digital technology in a number of ways. While it can be used as an innovative new medium, it is also a great tool that can become a part of the creative process. This creative process can be different for each individual artist; the way in which this medium is used also varies.

article response.

“Influence of the Digital: Context and Form”
By Douglas Bucci and Matthew Hollern

www.dougbucci.com
www.virtualtangible.com/VirTang-13.5.swf - Doug actually showed this site in class. He and Matt Hollern curated this show, and this site includes a great collection of a variety of designs that incorporate digital technology.
www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/Case/cleveland.htm

I was very excited to read both the articles written by Doug Bucci and Matt Hollern since Doug is my instructor this semester in the CAD class I’m taking. This first part discussed how digital technology is a “medium” that has redefined the arts. Since as artists we interpret our culture through the act of making, this article stressed the marriage of aesthetics and utility. I love this argument of a relationship existing between science (objective) and art (subjective). This cross-disciplinary approach is what we, as new artists, should embrace. The virtual environment that digital technology contains allows for ideas to be conceived, designed, and created before actually becoming tangible. Digital technology is simply an extremely beneficial tool that we should take advantage of within our design process.

Stephen Wilson – art installations and projects
http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~swilson
Malcolm McCullough – computer aided design in architecture (1980s)
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mmmc

article response.

“Building Bridges Between Art and Technology: Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing”
By Staci Kerman
http://www.stacikermandesign.com/

I’m currently enrolled in a computer 3D modeling course and completely agree with Staci Kerman in this article. After looking her up and seeing all the great work she has done, I realize even more the capabilities of rapid prototyping and manufacturing. She has made glasses, flatware, bake ware, sculpture, jewelry, and furniture, all with innovative, technology-driven designs that are extremely sellable. Her “portfolio” on her website includes photographs of her work and rendered images. Her innovative and functional design is apparent in every single piece. Technology is such a great tool for design. It allows for scale manipulation, replication, opportunities for the casting process, and provides for a high degree of detail. The SLA machine she described in this article allows you to directly cast without a need of a mold. The benefits this tool has for artists are great. I like how she ended her argument with the fact that we should all take advantage of the latest technologies in order to stay competitive. Her website and her work prove her alliance with technology and how it has truly benefited her designs and products.

look.

http://mielmargarita.com/index.html

Saw her at ACC, she was actually a spotlight artist during the wholesale day we went to. I was really drawn to her work since the majority of it was metal. Her website is awesome and she even has a group of photographs that show the studio progress of her many pieces (like the one above). She had some great sketches and watercolor paintings that she included in this grouping. I like seeing an artist’s journey from idea sketches through finished product. Her skill of forming metal with hammers is amazing.