Maine FabLab, a part of the MIT FabLab network based in Cambridge, USA; and a place where anyone can make [almost] anything, has announced ‘Bits to Its: 3D Printed Sculpture’. This will be one of the first shows in the world dedicated to the use of new 3D printing technology to create art with a jury deciding the shape of the show – quite literally. The venue for the show is the Landing Gallery in Rockland, Maine where a public reception will be hosted on 3rd May 3, 2013, however a private reception is planned for 27th April, preceded by a week of educational activities coordinated by the Maine FabLab.
About the selection of the venue, Sarah Boisvert who heads up Maine FabLab commented to 3DPI: “FabLabs are just not just about technology … they’re also about design and social interaction. So it seems fitting for the Landing Gallery to want to work with us!”
Open for entries now, digital photos of proposed designs are invited and must be received by March 15, 2013. The guidelines for entrants are pretty straightforward and there is also 3D printing service provision, at cost, from a local firm for anyone that does not have their own printer.
Entries must incorporate 3D printed components into at least 75% of the piece; additional processes may be used in the entire piece, but 3D printing must be central to the design. If artists do not own their own 3D printer, Potomac Photonics of Lanham MD has generously offered to complete the printing on their 3D Systems printers in their MicroFabLab for the cost of materials.
Sculptures may be either free-standing or wall-mounted, but all must be installation-ready with any specialized mounting hardware. There is almost no limit to the types of parts or features you can make with 3D printing. Potomac Photonics can assist you with turning a drawing or sketch into the required .stl file.
The panel of judges that will determine the works on show are all renowned within the 3D printing sector. Ping Fu is the new Chief Strategy Officer at 3D Systems Corporation following the sale of her software company, Geomagic, to the 3D printing equipment giant recently. Joshua Harker’s Kickstarter campaign set records for the highest backing in the sculpture category with his amazing 3D printed work of art. And Tel Avis artist, Asher Nahmias (aka @Dizingof), is known worldwide for his phenomenal talent for creating 3D printed math art and his sharing of his designs.
Sarah Boisvert, a strong advocate of 3D printing, told 3DPI: “People are always asking me what 3D printing is all about, so I thought an art show would be a way to showcase the design possibilities beyond a tea cup or a wrist band. Art captures the imagination, and I’m expecting to get designs that really push the envelope! I asked Ping, Joshua and Asher to be judges as their work is at the forefront of 3D printing design and serves as a inspiration for other artists to think about design.
“We’re so excited and surprised by the Call for Entries response we’ve gotten in just 24 hours. An MIT alumnus in Maine told his painter wife about the project since he had bought tickets to the opening reception. To his surprise, she’s now got him helping her with a CAD design so that she too can enter the show!”
To receive an entry form with dimensions, fees and details; or to discuss any questions, entrants are invited to email [email protected].
Source: Maine Fablab
