your thoughts

[helenThornber]

Hi,

I'm an artist but I work in computer visualisation, I'm in my final year of a computer visualistion and animation degree, and I have found working in the medium frustrating at times as I don't feel I have the freedom or control I do when working on static but physical pieces.

I am writing a paper on the limitations of working in 3D and I would be grateful of any input on the subject. I feel if there were improved knowledge of the theory of visual perception, and a greater ability to interact in three dimensionality with the computer this could increase the capabilities of computer visualisation and animation.

I was wondering if any of you have experience both working in computer and with physical sculpturing and how you feel the two compare?

Whether you have or have not worked with computers what are your opinions on the medium, and the use of it for sculpturing?

If there were more widely avaliable means of manipulating computer image in three dimensions (i.e. haptic gloves, 3D mice etc.) as opposed to 2D input (i.e. mice, graphics tablets etc.) would that change your opinions on computer visualisation?

Any input on these questions, or futher thoughts and questions would be greatly welcomed. Many Thanks.

Helen Thornber
a1492567@bournemouth.ac.uk

[fritchie]

Helen - I worked with 3D computer visualization for about a decade beginning about 1974, using a more or less unique vector graphics display unit which could draw a thousand or more line segments in a static display, or perhaps a couple of hundred in a display mode which permitted real-time rotation with a joystick. This primarily was used for scientific displays, generally atomic and molecular structures, but I did play with it on occasion, doing gestural artistic graphics.

The unit easily generated 3D images simply by drawing left and right eye views side by side. With a bit of practice, most people could see the 3D image without wearing special glasses, simply by “defocussing” their eyes to look at an infinitely removed object. I found this quite effective in drawing scientific models, architectural renderings of houses, or random, esthetic patterns.

The upshot, as far as answering your question, I think, is simply that people adjust to the state of the art, whatever it is, and live within those parameters. This unit could not do solids or colors, but was quite effective in visualizations. Obviously, the art progresses with time, but limitations essentially always will be present. I agree that it would be useful to be able to produce sculptural models of any complexity on a computer in 3D, and that is a goal to pursue, but I also know that technology moves at its own pace, and that a practicing artist need to choose the best tools that really are available at the given moment.

I look forward to other comments.

[rickb]

Hi Helen,
It sounds like an interesting paper. I've just dabbled a bit in 3-d programs like Poser and Carrara, but likewise find them limiting compared to physical pieces.

But, the reason I write is that I know a very talented, articulate figurative sculptor who sculpts mostly in clay but uses 3-d modelling extensively in designing pieces who you may want to contact. He owns, or has demo'd several 3-d modeling devices and given design feedback to companies. You may know about this system, but one ($50k?USD) has an articulated arm that lets you sculpt with real time tactile feedback. You can set the softness of the clay, the dynamic properties, etc. It feels fairly real and a strange experience.

Anyway, of anyone I know, he has probably thought the most about this topic and has the most experience in both worlds.
Let me know if you are interested in corresponding with him and I will pass on your email and question.

Rick

http://www.richardbecker.com

[jwebb]

Check out the thread titled "New CNC Sculpture" from back in December, under the forum called Sculpture Techniques and Processes, below, for a dicussion on this subject. There are some knowledgeable users of these technologies as well as doubters like myself, who have expounded there.

[helenThornber]

Thanks for your replies so far, it has given me things to think about.

Rick, I really appreciate any input, so if you think he could help me (which is sounds like he really could) i'd be happy for you to pass on my email, it's a1492567@bournemouth.ac.uk.

any further thoughts?

Thanks again,
Helen

[ALH]

The popularity of 3D modeling is due to two things, I think. Virtual things cost much less than actual things, hiring a plane for a shoot as opposed to rendering an existing model for example : and you can make things/worlds that would not otherwise exist,a digital style.


I have used the technology for designing work and for pitching that design. Using 'Form Z' I would 'create' an installation, which could then be modified, considered and finally displayed using my computer. All this could have been done with a pencil and paper but it would have been more difficult.

As it happens I am on a newer computer now and haven’t gotten the new software to go with it so I am doodling with that pencil once again

[rickb]

Hi Helen,
I passed the info on and cc'd you. I hope this helps.
Good luck with degree and the paper.
Rick

http://www.richardbecker.com

[dondougan]

RE: "Whether you have or have not worked with computers what are your opinions on the medium, and the use of it for sculpturing?"

I may just be old-fashioned, but the idea of trying to do something 3D in a virtual way seems to defeat the purpose. For me the material is the beginning -- the form is secondary.

In a computer the material is a wisp of nothing, and form is everything.

I teach 3D design and sculpture to college students, and the constant flaw I find in the student's approach is that they want to do it without getting their hand's dirty.

For the designer who knows the material it can work. But for someone who has no real material experience the computer seems to be a pit of quicksand.

That is my two-cents worth on your question. I hope this position doesn't offend you (I know how much work a degree takes), because I think anybody who wants to sculpt in a computer (except my students) can do it to their heart's content -- it just isn't for me.

Good sculpting to you!
Don

[jsimms]

Although I spend 6 or 8 hour a day in my studio, I also spend several hours designing pieces in rhino3d. Rhino gives me the ability to try variations of the numerous concepts I have in my mind.

I'm not sure whether you are talking about realistic or abstract works, but for my use the computer is a great tool. I would think its aid in realistic sculpting would be marginal and perhaps negative.

John

[sculptor]

Hi,

the limitations of working in 3D and I would be grateful of any input on the subject. ......
opinions on the medium, and the use of it for sculpturing?

Any input on these questions, or futher thoughts and questions would be greatly welcomed. Many Thanks.

Helen Thornber
a1492567@bournemouth.ac.uk

Hi Helen:
Aside from my "TAKE THE ART TO THE PEOPLE (http://www.geocities.com/mandali/TAKEtheARTtothePEOPLE.html)" project, and a few showings at artfairs and galleries, 2d is the primary means for folks to view my works, and thereby attains a certain importance.
When I sculpt, I work and think in 3d in a synthesis of visual and tactile data.
Because I think I know what I'm feeling and seeing, I'm a tad blinded to visualizing the current actuality of a sculpture in 2d.
So, I take pictures and do sketches to snap my perceptions out of my conceptions and give 'em a dose of the altered(2d) reality--
eg. I may be really comfortable with a certain view of the sculpture, but when I see that same view in 2d, I see it diffrently and may(usually do) find areas of discomfort in this view. So, with discomfort in hand, I reapproach my once "perfect" sculpture and change it----hopefully for the better(though not always).

as/re:If there were more widely avaliable means of manipulating computer image in three dimensions------I'd jump at the opportunity to work with a new approach.

hope this helps
rod(sculptor)

[Gdog]

Hi Helen , my name is John, I like the Question because I'm new to the computer , and one of the things I was anxiously looking forward to, was getting the most of it creatively -3d- !! [ I like the quickness with which something can be altered on the computer!]

I'm a custom granite craftsman,which is on the opposite end of the spectrum in contrast,as far as material is concerned, however simular principles apply as in the building up and taking away in order to get the desired form. As one who has worked with a formidable material as long as I have, the ease in which something can be added or removed,or even stretched for that matter is fantastic, I could get lost for hours mess'in with it.

"It's not our lives' that are so much at stake,it's our perception"