The author discusses his attempts to exploit computer-aided design and manufacture to extend Donald Judd's sculptural concept of Specific Objects. The paper focuses on the challenges of creating singular forms exhibiting both unity and variation through rapid prototyping. Consideration is also given to the broader consequences of sculpting through virtual CAD software, including outcomes such as kinetic inflatable sculptures and animated sculptures and drawings.

Issue Section:
Artists' Articles
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© 2010 ISAST
2010

Supplementary data

Neon Aurora

Neon Aurora is an abstract exploration of colour, form, sound and movement which attempts to unify dance, music, animation, sculpture and drawing. It was realised through collaboration with dancer Ian Dolman using motion capture. Thereafter, the motion, aesthetic and spatial dynamics of the evolving forms were complemented by Threep’s soundscape. (© Michael Shaw)

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What Might Be (part I)

What Might Be explores the planar illusion of three dimensional space, which is especially relevant to the sculptor. Intriguingly, animation appears well placed to recreate the perambulatory and kinetic nature of experiencing sculpture by manipulating the observer’s viewpoint by proxy. It therefore unites the second and fourth dimensions to imply the third. (© Michael Shaw)

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What Might Be (part II)

What Might Be seeks lifelike depictions of traditional drawing media including pencil, rubber, charcoal, wax resist, pen and ink and the potential subtlety of marks such as smudges, overdrawing, traces, and bleeds. Layer upon layer of virtual material is overlaid until the stained history of its making emerges. (© Michael Shaw)

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