Digitally informed sculpture
Death in Simplicity
Solo project
Brief
The production of a series of digital explorations using digital 3D modelling software, 3D scanning and photogrammetry, rendering and 3D printing software. Research into a relevant traditional making materials and making processes (eg. woodwork, ceramics, basketry, textiles, metalwork, jewellery).
Death in Simplicity is a recent project that delves into the complex intersection of death and simplicity, examining technical and philosophical issues surrounding the two themes. The piece offers a thought-provoking exploration of the profound connections between mortality and the concept of simplicity. As the brass skulls simplify, the edges become sharper, representing the risk in oversimplification of life by technology. Does this simplification help us live as we should, or has it gone too far?
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To create this piece, a unique combination of skills was utilised. Firstly, I acquired the 3D data of a sheep skull using a LIDAR scanner. Uploading this data to 3D modelling software, I used digital functions to model four skulls with sequentially less faces. As the the face count decreases and the form simplifies - the edges become harsher and less forgiving.
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With the 3D modelling and 3D printing complete, the casting process paved way for the essence of the project to reveal itself. Once the bronze was poured and cooled, the results proved to be fascinating. The more digitally influenced the form, the less accurately the casts came out. This inaccuracy represents the complications of digital imposition in our human lives. That being said, the line effect on the skulls from the print filament represents the potential beauty in this combination.
This project really fed into my mindset as a designer motivated by biophilic design. We are constantly surrounded by technology that is hardwired to make our lives 'easier' or 'simpler', but the reality is that the perceived comforts it provides are in fact eating away at our happiness and perception of reality.
I try to design in a way that grounds us in a different kind of comfort; a safe version that emulates nature and avoids the perilous side effects of our overly technologically influenced lives. I create things which helps us in an approachable and natural manner. 'Death in Simplicity' is about realising that simplification and comfort derived from technology is something to be wary of. In a way, it is a suggestion to go back to basics - a principal I try to apply in my practise wherever possible.