Creative Endeavors Blog by Bridgette Mongeon

A wonderful art program for children

2010-01-23T06:01:00.001-08:00

Between graduate studies, writing the book, and commissions, along with aiding elderly parents, I'm not quite sure where I find the time to do this, but I have been teaching a class through City Artworks for the past year. City Artworks is an art program that has recently teamed up with the Museum of Fine Arts ( MFA) to provide quality after school art classes to young people based on the collections at MFA. This semesters study is the works of John Singer Sargent. They have both paying classes in schools and grant schools. I am in a grant school, which I prefer. I have been working the Highland Heights just around the corner from my own studio. At first I think it was that I missed children. I wanted to be around kids. My children are all grown and grandchildren are a ways off. I also feel it is a great way to give back to my community and I love the creative individuals that I have met through the program. This school may be losing their grant money for the program, so if there are any philanthropical indiviuals who would like to be sure this stays alive at Highland Heights please contact City Artworks.

By the way if there are artists in Houston who want to be a part of shaping young minds City Artworks is looking for more instructors. But call quickly as classes start in a week or so. Give Rolando a call 713-681-1365. Oh yes, and if your child would like to participate in a City Artworks program be sure to give them a call to see if one is in your school!

Gin at 9:00 a.m.? Just show up and see what happens.

2010-01-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Gin at 9:00 am? Just show up and see what happens.

I have, for a long time, wondered at and marveled at the creative process. I love listening to others discuss and discover the process, the nuances. If I could study any part of the human psyche it would be the creative process, and all that surrounds it. In fact I have. It is a hobby of mine. Helping others come to terms with their creativity and encouraging others in their creative journey is something that I have enjoyed doing through lectures and workshop. Today I happened upon Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray Love” on a TED video. I loved hearing her talk about the angst. I loved her quote about “just showing up.” Because often we as artists are so afraid of failure, we just don’t show up. Heck if you don’t try you won’t do.

I encourage each of you to show up and know you have done your part.

Your brain may explode! TED may be coming to your area! Introducing TEDx

2010-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

I have long been a fan of TED. If you are looking for a wonderful and enlightening experience you must check out their website and give a listen to the speakers.

TED is a conference that brings together minds in technology, design and entertainment. Of course the TED talks video site is a frequent for me.

I can't imagine attending a TED conference held in Long Beach . With conference memberships costing $6,000. a year and selling out a year in advance, I doubt I will ever have that experience. 50 speakers speaking at 18 minute slots. TED is interdisciplinary the web site says it is a four day "brain spa."

"At some point in the next 4 days your brain may explode, by then you won't even care," states curator Chris Anderson.

Below is a short preview of the introduction to TED

Now TEDx is coming to Houston 6/12/2010. And that is not all, apparently TEDx is spreading. There may be one coming to your area.

And according to the TEDx guidelines it may be free or very low cost.

If you can't get excited about TED Coming to your area then think what will soon be available online as the TED lectures are made available. Inconceivable! I think I feel my brain swelling already!

A cool job. Bringing to life extinct animals.

2010-01-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

Gary Staab just e mailed me and said I should check out his website. He has just updated it. God I love this man's work. I wrote a complete article on him for Best Of Artists and Artisans November 2007. Love the new stuff.

More interviews with creative people

2010-01-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not know, besides sculpting and writing I also create podcasts. I'm about to expand on these podcasts. What can I say, I love a good interview.

Our new podcasts will be from those working in 3D. We are talking to all sorts of people from those using new tehnology to create fine art to those creating images for movies. I'm thrilled with this new endeavor. I predict the pdocast will start in the next few months as it is a part of our book deal with Focal Press that we have a website on the subject. So be sure to watch out for www.digitalsculpting.net. Creating the site will be so much fun as there is additional information that I have found with both my graduate research and the writing of the Mudbox book that I am wanting to share. And the interesting people who are working and leading this technology are so much fun to chat with. Why not do that for a podcast?

The podcasts that I have done for the past almost two years are inspirational. They are sponsored by my God's Word Collectible gift line. Inspirations/Generations has added a new segment called Inspirations/Creative Christians. We are interviewing creative Christians to learn about their faith, process, inspiration and other things. You can find all of our podcasts on the God's Word Collectibles website . Or on our God's Word Collectibles Facebook Fans page.

The Creative Christian podcasts are depicted with " Creative Christians" in the title. Here is a description of our recent Creative Christians podcasts. If you would like to listen, just click on the links. I you want to subscribe to this Inspirational channel in itunes you can do so by following this link.

What is to come with the Creative Christians podcast? We are presently working on securing interviews with the following people. Skater- Scott Hamilton, Singer- Alice Cooper, Loni Lamb and many more.

Recent Interviews

Creative Christians-Interview with Author and Actor Susan Isaacs
Creative Christians Podcast continues in an interview with Author and Actor Susan Isaacs. Susan shares her disappointments in her creative Christian journey as well as her revelations. Anyone who wonders where God is in their creative journey should listen. (Inspirations_0049 58.24 minutes)

Of course we also interviewed Susan about her book on our regular podcast.

Book Review "Angry Conversations with God."

Susan Isaacs shares her stories behind her new and humorous book "Angry Conversations with God- A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir." (Inspirations_Generations_0048 30 minutes)

Creative Christians-Helpful Insight and Tips from Christian Business Manager Michael Smith.
Michael Smith of Michael Smith and Associates http://michaelsmithandassociates.com talks about managing Christian artists and gives some hints and suggestions to those wanting to get noticed in the business. An incredible interview with a man of incredible integrity. Michael Smith and Associates represents- Jaci Valsquez, Salvador, GoFish, Brad Stine, Aaron Wilburn, The Lads, Yancy, Tyler Dodds and the God Men conferences as well as Right Minded Records and Pure Blue Record Labels. (Inspirations_Generations_0047 44.46 minutes)

How do you pick a graduate adviser?

2010-01-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

How on earth does one decide which adviser at Goddard College will be a good fit for the following semester? My present faculty adviser was assigned to me. Because it was my first semester-Judy Hiramoto. I have enjoyed our interaction. I am pretty much a go-getter when it comes to education and learning. I probably do much more work than is necessary and I don’t need hand holding. In fact, this study is so deep with new research that I’m finding things each time I turn around. I had no semester break, the research continued.

I have floated through the program faculty and am at a loss. There are no “sculptors” in the faculty, that I can find. Is it really necessary for me to have a sculptor as an adviser. I don’t think so. (Plainfield, Vermont Residency).

I read Valerie Walker is coming onto the program. Though I am not a fiber artist I appreciate her interaction of her work with technology, plus she does a radio show, “exploring all aspects of digital culture & awareness from the perspective of women living it." My present podcast is not actually a part of my study, however, I am planning on expanding it to include interviews with those working with this technology. O.k. I just faced book Valerie. Maybe some pre-conversations would help.

Peter Hocking is another choice I ask myself why? Hmmm. Some of the things in his bio? “digital performance”, “ I love comic books.” I just think it is cool that someone who is asked to include their pedagogical statement puts that in it. “I am committed to the dignity and intrinsic value of each of us as learners.” This is also a good statement. He is from Goddard College MA and I like the Rhode Island school of design, though I am not sure what the “Director of the office of public engagement” actually does.

Brian Harnetty. Again I ask myself why? I am not a musician. I like that he is interested in, “creative communication between musicians, writers, visual artists, scientists, and so on—and the value of expressing this communication through new media” I ponder our connection.

My choice for Erica Eaton would be for no other reason than she facilitated a G1 meeting that I attended and I had a good feel about her. “I have often said that what I really do is translate, remind people of what they already know and empower them to use it and develop it further. I facilitate. I see my role as a “teacher” in a similar fashion. I am not there to “deposit” knowledge, but to co-create it. “ I like this statement. Of course I like that she has studied at the University of Buffalo. It is my home-town. I feel the same about Rick Benjamin, but he is on leave for this residency.

I guess my choice should really reflect on my study. It is more of the same from last year. Though transcripts are narrative at Goddard College I have asked for course equivalents as well. For any college that I am going to teach at will require that I have a certain amount of course credits in that discipline. ( see previous post)

Here is an idea of my study.

The changes this semester would be technical and journalism writing instead of memoir, as I am trying to document my research into 3D sculpting, scanning, printing and milling as it pertains to the traditional sculptor. I also plan on interviewing different artists and individuals working in these fields- A 3D fireside podcast so to speak. I’m also pitching another book to the publisher, must get the Mudbox book out first. Our deadline is February. The second book is an interview with artists that are using technology to create incredible and interesting art. I’m thrilled about the idea. Of course I’ll have to write about the technology as well.

And I’m thrilled about he lecture that I am giving at Goddard while I am at residency. I would like to present this through the semester to other art organizations and colleges here. This past semester has been heavy in research and documentation. It is difficult to stop as everything is changing so quickly. It has been amazing that no sooner do I find a missing like, something that is needed to “Bridge the gap between technology and the traditional studio” then the technology is created and posted. It is a fascinating journey.

First Semester Graduate Courses Studies at Goddard College

Studio Art and Technology
Variable topics course designed to explore concepts and processes in art-making that go beyond the normal curricular parameters of traditional studio disciplines.

History of Digital Technology in the Traditional Studio
In this course there is an Evaluation of the History of Digital art in the Traditional Studio and philosophical discussions comparing new technology with the “old” way. Evaluating the “Value” set upon the work and also the acceptance of technology and the process in fine art. An exploration of contemporary artists who have paved the way for the acceptances of this technology is also explored.

Traditional Sculpting/Digital Sculpting
Comparing the process of sculpting digitally and traditionally. A study and experiment with creating digital sculpture in the traditional sculpting style. Searching the psychological aspects and barriers of traditional artists who are beginning to use digital technology in the traditional studio.

Memoir Writing
Study of memoirs by contemporary authors to become more familiar with the many possibilities available to writers working in this form. Focus is on issues relevant to the writing of memoir, including craft and techniques, memory and truth-telling, and interior and exterior significance.

Deceased, Alive or animated- The Facial Action Coding Systmem- so cool!

2010-01-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

FACS is the Facial Action Coding System developed by Paul Eckman. I studied this in my undergraduate work when I was writing about Sculpting the Deceased. I wanted to know how I capture emotion in my art, or why I "feel" some things from my deceased subjects. FACS is some of the science behind what I do and feel with sculpting the deceased. It is used in animation and is mentioned here in this video about how they did the face of Benjamin Button. I think this is fascinating.

What? Why are you doing that?

2010-01-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Lately I have not posted much of my own creative work on this blog. Some may wonder why. I have but two answers, graduate work and writing a book. Either, by themselves would be a daunting but with this MFAIA Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art I can work my research and the book writing into my degree plan.

Many have asked me, “Why would a master sculptor need a Masters Degree?” It is very simple, believe it or not I have been turned down to teach sculpting at the college level because of this lack of paperwork. Do I plan to teach? I’m not sure, but as I enter this stage of my life I thought it would be good to have this document. (Though, I often think that in the future I will probably be paying off my graduate school loans with my social security income.)

My focus in my graduate studies is two fold. Sculpting of course, but here is the clincher, because I was already considered a master sculptor they frowned on me entering the program to study sculpture. That is good because frankly doing that for 3 years might make me puke. (This is a terminal degree that is why it is 3 years.) However, to teach at a college level I must have 15 hours of study, minimum in the area I want to teach. There is a catch 22.

So I put a twist of interest to my degree study in sculpture. The basic premise of one half of my study is “Bridging the gab between new technology and the traditional studio.” That is why I am focusing on digital sculpting, scanning, printing, milling as it pertains to my craft. It began with this article (pdf) that I wrote for Sculpture Review a few years back. The study is fascinating and I believe it will affect my future artwork, though I am still doing traditional portrait and life-size commissions and love doing so. I’ll just utilize these processes to incorporate them in my study and workflow!

Besides looking at the technology and the different aspects of it. I seem to be drawn to individuals who are using data to create artwork. The data depicts what the art will look like. This can be seen in weaving of Nathalie Miebach. Or as simple as David Beck using a GPS system and digital printing to print out a sort of portrait of his friends. I really enjoyed listening to the videos of (MOMA )Museum of Modern Art’s exhibit Design and the Elastic Mind. It was validating when I heard Curator Paola Antonelli discusses the importance of 3Drapid prototype printing. She states, “The most interesting and most important technological innovations in the field of design and the field of manufacturing is 3Dprinting.” I know my study is going in the right direction. I will try to bring these videos to my blog.

This new direction was so not me. To turn my head from figurative realism even for a moment to consider other things is not something I am used to or have ever been drawn to. But there is something about the seeing information visually. Even those in science are saying now that they can print out molecular items they can now see how they relate to each other in ways that were never apparent. Perhaps it is that somehow I feel there is something hidden, a secret that is under the data that can only be known when it is a visual, when it is made as art.

Another artist that I really like is Robert Lazzarini. Remember when you look at these they are not skewed photographs but are actual sculptures created, and often digitally printed in this skewed manner. They must be something to see in person. All of this work is different than the figurative work that I have studied in the past, but that is what school is supposed to do, stretch you, challenge you, cause you to think past what you would normally consider.

Oh yes, there is a second area of my graduate study. It is writing. As you can tell from past articles, columns and books— I like to write. I enjoy writing about art, creativity and other subjects and am presently working on a Mudbox book. I'm thrilled to see my name at Amazon, even though we are not quite done with the book. I stumbled upon the Amazon information when I was trying to do my research, to be honest this area of study is so new that there is little out there about it. But the book that seemed to have everything that I was trying to study- lead me to my own book on Amazon. Mudbox is a program that allows you to sculpt in the computer. I have enjoyed my research and studies and will continue to do so. I feel it is opening up new doors of opportunities as well as enlightenment and inspiration and I enjoy sharing some of my research on this blog.

Thanks to friends for posting just what you need to hear on Facebook.

2010-01-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

My good friend posted this today. I have not seen him in a very long time, though it is good to see his face on facebook regularly. Charles Hively one of the most creative people I know, and a friendship I will cherish my entire life. Quoted Roosevelt.

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat. "

Amen.

Thanks Charles, I needed to hear that today.

Want your own 3d printer? Cool hobby

2009-12-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Open source. Watch this grown. No pun inteded!

check out this artists work. The avatar sculpts in zbrush

2009-12-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

check out this artists work. The avatar sculpts in zbrush http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=079195 I was on the zbrush web site and found this. So cool to look at. I especially like seeing the people reference!

3d printing in paper?

2009-12-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

A wonderful link for MCOR. MCOR is a Swiss company who has created a 3d printer that will print in paper. For those who know about 3d printing the cost of the materials going through the printer is a great expense. But in the case of paper, that is not as expensive.

A great book on 3d printing

2009-12-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to tell you about a book that has really helped me in my graduate studies. I hesitated in purchasing it because it was a little on the high side and the binding and photograph shown did not really make me feel confident in the contents of the book, but don’t let that fool you. Ed Grenda really knows his stuff, and I don’t think there is anything about 3d printing that is not in here. As long as he keeps up with the technology with further editions I would say it is a must for the shelf of any person interested in 3d printing. Plus his web site has numerous articles and boo koos of information. ( it also does not look very professional but don’t click away too soon. It has a wealth of information.) I was privileged to talk to Ed last week about some of my questions and my own research and he gave me some wonderful leads, which I will be sure to pass on here.

I also invited him to let me interview him for a podcast, should we decide to start up the art podcasts and talk about 3d, ( Which I am very excited about.). Anyway. Thumbs up on this book. I would highly recommend it.

The Upside Down Christmas Party

2009-12-19T06:32:00.001-08:00

I failed to post about the Upside Down Christmas Party. There were quite a few different groups of people but there was much fun had by all. Christina Sizemore- My daughter showed her artwork, and you know there is always sculpture in my studio, along with my God's Word Collectible series. Plus the loft was opened up for 3d people to show their work. Though all they really did was come upstairs and eat cookies. My favorite part of the evening.. the fire pit that my family bought me and we broke in and singing with friends.

And of course as many of you know we ask you all to help decorate our tree with something on your person, in your car or found. Here are some new ones. ( the watch is from a soldier. I can't believe he put his watch on the tree. He is home on leave and headed back soon.)

I think we will have to have another one next year.

Wonderful conversations- ton of info

2009-12-19T06:26:00.001-08:00

Last week Bob Wood from ex one put together a conference call between the following people and myself. As Bob put it.
The purpose of the call is to attempt to answer as many questions as we can for Bridgette who is researching information for a book that she is writing. I have had many conversations with her over the last year or so and she has toured our Houston RCT jobshop. To paraphrase what she is trying to ascertain from us is how a traditional sculptor can migrate into the electronic design and manufacturing world. As all of us know, it took us years to figure this out. Bridgette is trying to define the process so that traditional artists can become productive without having to go through a painful learning curve that may cause them to shy away from this technology.

HE knows me well. Though he also failed to say.I have pitched a second book idea, am writing articles on these subjects and a good deal of my graduate studies is around the process. On the phone were the following people. It was so great to chat with these very knowledgeable people. It was also good to be around 3D people who, when I told them that I wanted to get designs out of the computer did not say, "why do you want to do that?"

Bridgette Mongeon – Sculptor, Artist, Author
www.creativesculpture.com
Houston, TX

Chuck Gailey – 3D Designer, Architect- designer, Artist
www.otbdesignworks.com
Whitefish, MT

Gabriel Obregon – 3D Artist, Freeform designer
www.hybrid-learning.com
Pittsburgh, PA

Mike Orange – Prometal Production Manager
www.prometal.com
Irwin, PA

Bob wood

All I can say is I wish I would have recorded this meeting. You all know I have been doing Chistian podcasts for a while. Don't be surprised if you begin to also see some art podcasts posted here. I have everything set up for podcasts and my spotonradio.com station has another channel. Now all I need is the time.

A bit of trivia about bronze

2009-12-18T13:51:00.001-08:00

I was wondering what is the composite of the bronze that my pieces are cast in. My foundry says.

They use everdur bronze.

Alloy number 8 7 3

95% copper
4 silicone
1% manganese
developed during the second world war for the navy.

Prior to that something called 85-5-5 -5 was used, but it is not used now because it does not hold up with acid rain etc. It consisted of
85 copper
5 percent zinc
5 percent tin
5 percent lead

Watch video of Eintseine Robot

2009-11-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

A video about an interactive robto of Albert Einstein from Hanson Robotics Texas I would like to remind you that the Facial Action Coding system mentioned in this article is from the research of Psychologist Paul Eckman.

I studied emotion as it pertains to art, and sculpture as my undergraduate study. It is good to see this man's work being used and recognized. If you watch the show Lie to Me then you might also be familiar with the work of Paul Eckman.

So cool to see all of this come together. Also check out the link to Hanson Robotics in Texas.

Watch Video- Robots are becoming more and more life like. -

2009-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

" Jules is a Conversational Character Robot designed and built by David Hanson. Jules is Ai, made with a light weight material called Frubber™ , which enables his/her face to be mobile and expressive. Jules runs on batteries and was commissioned by the UWE with a statistically perfect androgynous face.
Go to HANSONROBOTICS.COM to learn more" From you tube informationSorry if this months page takes a long time to load, so many interesting videos to share.

Learning about retoplogizing. An excellent video!

2009-11-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

Subdivision Topology: Artifacts from The Guerrilla CG Project on Vimeo.

Can I really digitally print in metal?

2009-11-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

This is an excellent video that discusses Powder Metallurgy.

I know it seems like it is something that is not afforadable not doable for the average person. But shapeways is making this connection to the common artist, the every day guy. Check out this video

And their prices are extremely affordable. http://www.shapeways.com/

3D camp Houston was a success. Next year bigger and better.

2009-11-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

It was last Wednesday that my husband invited me to the 3D modelers and animators meetup. I was interested in the presentation on Zbrush by Johannes Huber.

It was there that I met David Morris. David told me about a project he had been working on for just 8 weeks. It was a 3D camp, planned for this past weekend. He envisioned a place where people could get together and talk about 3D. My husband Mike delaflor and I jumped on board.

David was doing exactly what I wanted to do. I had actually been thinking about this for a year. I was going to do it this fall, but instead decided to perhaps make it a part of my graduate practicum. I had already talked to Next Engine, who have some wonderful affordable desk top scanners. Ex One who you have seen in previous posts. I have been contacting them about their direct metal printing and last month I went to see there printing sandcasting Molds. Ex One said when I was ready to get this going they would try to get Shapeways on board. For those of you who don't know about Shapeways they are affordable service bureau for 3d digital printing, and they too are now offering digital printing in metal!

My goal was to get some vendors there and also offer some informative lectures on different processes of 3D. Well David did just that with 3D camp. I’m so excited and totally impressed with this young man. I think you will see this 3D camp grow in the up and coming years. I’m looking forward to presenting next year, and hopefully get the above vendors to demonstrate.

This year I demonstrated the 3D scanner, though I must say it was a crowded area and hard to get a good scan with so many people bumping the table. Still I get was able to sing the praises of this scanner that we are reviewing and using in our up and coming book, Digital Sculpting with Mudbox: Essential Tools and Techniques For Artists.

I also had this video playing and my article that I wrote for Sculpture Review on digital printing and milling where I talked about the incredible advances of Synappsys digital printing and their Data Direct to Mold process that is being used on The American.

My vantage point of 3D is coming from a traditional studio and using it to create traditional art. I suppose my focus then is a bit different than the traditional 3D artist. My graduate studies at Goddard- A Master of Fine Arts In Interdisciplinary Arts is based upon bridging the gap between the traditional and the digital studio. That is my interest. Though I have to admit, programs like Mudbox and Z brush are very intriguing and I expect I will be using them much more in the future. Oh no am I converting? Still I like the clay under my nails and my heart longs for dirty hands.

I encourage others to get involved with 3D camp next year, and plan on attending. I’m expecting it will double if not triple in size with a year of planning, some more backers, and some good promotion. If you would like to be a sponsore, If you are interested in presenting or are a vendor that would like to show at 3D camp next year please feel free to contact me or David.

Great job David!

Some of my favorite things there revolve around output. This is a home made cnc router machine. To check it out further go to http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx

Many seemed to be interested in what a fine artist had to say in a 3D camp.

Another of my favorite had to again deal with output. It is the homemade 3D printer. This one is called the cupcake, and I must show that it can print a cupcake. I believe the cupcake costs about 700. to put together. There is another homemade one that I want to investigate but it costs approximately 3,000. Kind of steep to do for a hobby or to check out, but this other can print ceramic and chocolate, something worth investigating. I plan on reviewing all of these home made machines in an upcoming article.

3d Printing in ceramic!

2009-11-11T16:07:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to working with Solheim Rapid Prototyping/ Rapid Manufacturing Lab at the University of Washington's Mechanical Engineering Department, collaborating and certainly want to add their process to the new book that I intend to write, my articles and a lecture. I love seeing video and am certainly glad that this was created. I will be trying to contact them on their process and new technology and will be sure to let you know what comes from that.

For students about entering an art show, and Culture Shapers.

2009-11-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

A Great Judging Day at Culture Shapers

Everything was a buzz yesterday at judging. It is good to see the other judges, all in different field but seasoned professionals and some old friends. They all take their judging very seriously and everyone is impressed with the quality of work that comes to Culture Shapers each year. One new judge expressed his impressions over the well-run and very large process that is done by Culture Shapers.

If you think that seeing the final show is inspiring, you should see how much incredible work is there on judging day. There is so much work and many very incredible pieces that never make the final cut. You have heard me say over the years that judging is, many times very subjective. It depends on the judges and their personal likes, their background and training, etc. There were some pieces that I would have liked to advance but I could not.

Suggestions
I always try to add these suggestions to students.

Use the forms provided. Gives us information. Sometimes the information or description that is provided can change a judges view of a piece. For example, if you submitted something in photography and it was developed in a dark room, you should mention that. Or if you were trying to express a certain emotion or were inspired by something tell us!

Go to the extra effort and time in presenting. If you have a great sculpture and it is poorly mounted, it will show and may change our vote for your piece.

Don’t cut corners when creating. When you feel you are tired of your artwork, walk away and come back to it. Rushing through art shows in the finished product. It is better to give the art your full attention until it comes to completion.

It may be too late for you to use some of these suggestion this year, but do pay attention to them next year, and for all the shows that you enter.

Judging Process
For those not familiar with the process of judging here is a quick run down.

Each judge ( there are three judges) is given 20 yellow post-its. We walk around the show and place the slips on those piece that we like and that we think should advance to the next round. If another judge has put a post-it on a piece then I might not put mine there. Many times we agree on what should advance and then I hand in extra post-its. If it did not advance there are a few reasons.

It did not compare to the quality of work that we had seen.

You may have not done some of my suggestions that I mentioned earlier.

It got lost amongst the other work. I sculpture this happens a lot. I am so glad there are three judges. Smaller pieces or those that just happened to be placed in a dark area of the room might not get a judges attention.

It may be a part of school project and there are several pieces that look like yours. It is hard to judge these, unless it is spectacular and really stands out.

Then we are given five pink post-its. We can only place these on the pieces that have yellow ones on them already. Oh this year I walked back and forth between two pieces that I liked, one was with a bird cage and hand and the other was i think titled “Heaven and Hell.” I put it on one and I was so sorry I did not have two pink slips. It was then that I noticed that another judge had marked another one that I had liked. I asked permission to move my pink slip and that allowed me to advance both of these pieces.

Then the pieces are lined up. We are then given our slips of paper that we write our comments on. I must interject, if you have come this far your work is superior. The forms however give us a numbering system and the words “below average, average, etc.” I hate this and cross them off of my sheet. I wish Culture Shapers would delete them. For us judges it is just a numbering system and should not be called “below average.” As I said, if you have made it this far that term should not be used. Now this is my opinion and I hope one day to have those off of the forms. Anyway... We go through and look at each piece. I love this part. I get to sit down and become familiar with your work, to really examine it. This is where you can sway me by your quality, and words. Each judge hands in their numbered pages and we go to lunch and wait for them to add them up and them put them in numerical order.

We are not aloud to speak to each other until the final round- after all the artwork is lined up. This is an essential part of judging, especially in sculpture. Many times there are many different mediums. I count on my fellow judges to point out details, difficulties and intricacy in each of their favorite pieces. Pieces can be moved on this final table but only three spots. Usually judges agree. Sometimes they fight for their pieces- your artwork. But it is all still friendly.

In all I loved the choices. Of course in other categories there were some pieces that where last in the finals that I would have put first, but that is again subjective and my own opinion. There was a discussion between us artists if photographs should be used allowed to be used in the drawing section of the show. Some judges were passionate about not allowing photographs. I think they want students to draw from life. I however think using photographs is very good and I know many professional artists that would agree, in fact, both my husband in his work and many other illustrators and artists use photographs as reference. We often take our own photography so that we can get the proportions, lighting etc just right. I’ll even ask my husband, “ Can you strike this pose?” Or he will ask me. Can you hold this medical instrument. For us photography is part of the process. But again that tells how different artists and judges are.

I want to encourage each of you to continue working on your art. For those who want suggestions or critiques or whatever. Please feel free to contact me, but... do not send me anything that you think you might enter in the show in the sculpture category next year as it will have to be disqualified. You can find me on Facebook, check out my websites— Fine art , God's Word Collectible Gift Line. I have also started podcasting and have a new section of the podcasts called Creative Christians. We will be interviewing famous creative Christians. For those interested you can find a list of the podcasts here Or you can listen to them from the God’s word Collectibles Facebook Fans page.

Oh yes, be sure to check out my blog on my website, as I often post articles about Culture Shapers. Last year I also wrote an article about the winners at Best of Artists and Artisans column.

I’m a genius! 3D Printing of the Human Organs?

2009-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

I’m a genius, or maybe my brain just thinks such radical thoughts that now and again I think like a genius. For those of you who don’t know, my graduate study at Goddard College consists of research that bridges the gap between the traditional studio and new technology. For a sculptor, such as myself, this technology is based on something that I call tradigi sculpting which utilizes both traditional and digital means to create artwork. My research is evaluating digital milling. Digital milling is taking my artwork, scanning it and then enlarging or reducing it to be milled out in foam, wood or stone. Digital printing is another resource and a technology that is quickly growing and changing. It is when a computer and a digital printing machine slowly prints, layer by layer, in 3d. What you end up with is a physical object. Yes, I know it sounds like the replicating machines on Star Trek, but this is not science fiction.

Recently I uncovered the work of both Sebastien Dion from the Center for Applied Technology at Bowling Green University in Ohio and Solheim Rapid Manufacturing Laboratory at the University of Washington in Seattle. Both have been researching and printing in ceramic. Solheim has even printed their ceramic “recipe” in the Ceramic Arts Daily, February 1, 2009, article “The Printed Pot.”

As my research continues, I thought, “It appears that 3D digital printing is all about having the right “recipe”. It is just coming up with the correct binder and the correct material to fuse.” This is where my brain started to go into genius mode and my research landed on what I’m about to share. I know that Science is using 3D printing to help them visualize scientific data. For example space physics simulations or molecular models that help scientists visualize proteins. This allows scientists a way to examine information in a physical way that has never been available to them prior to 3D printing. (http://www.ualberta.ca/CNS/3DPRINTER/project.sampler.html)

Science is also using 3D printing to print a medical implant that fits perfectly with a patient. The reason is that it is created from MRI scan data of a patient. ) Surgeons can also use 3D printing to help them with their surgeries. By having the physical replica of a patient they can practice surgery or see complications. 3D prints are also used in education. How about printing skin in a 3D digital printer? Just think what this would mean to a burn victim. Or how about replicating a bone with 3d printing? And doing so out of bone material to replace a patient’s own shattered bone? Because our bodies are symmetrical a left arm bone could be recreated by using images of the right arm.

If all of this technology and 3D printing is not fascinating enough, I thought, “If it takes just the right binder and recipe, is it possible to print organs?” I was afraid to even say it out loud to my husband, a medical illustrator, who I knew would at least hear my crazy idea and not laugh too hard. But with further research, I turned out not to be so mad after all. Indeed 3D organ printing is happening or at least being studied. Here are some journal articles and videos to prove it. This is absolutely fascinating! Just check out the video with Dr. Gabor Forgacs, University of Missouri-Columbia. He talks about how the bio printer prints out living cell clusters drop by drop that fuse together to create tissue structures. Have a damaged organ? One day they will be able print out the organ needed and do it using your cells! Perhaps the printer will print within your own body cavity. Yes, there is still some headway to be made with this technology, but the technology is here and on it’s way. My crazy thinking is actually genius!