Creative Endeavors Blog by Bridgette Mongeon

Pedagogical Philosophy of Bridgette Mongeon

2010-03-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

It was recently brought to my attention that I needed to have a pedagogical philosophy. At the time, I was not sure I had one. But after some thought I discovered that not only did I have one, I was quite passionate about it. And so, I am sharing it here.

My next personal assignment- a pedagogical philosophy as it pertains to teaching technology.

Pedagogical Philosophy of Bridgette Mongeon

Having myself experienced the wonderful learning engrained in Dewey pedagogy at both Vermont College and Goddard College it is a given that this educational experience would affect how I teach. But experiential education was a part of my own personal, perpetual learning experiences long before undergraduate or graduate work. It has propelled me into my many advancements including that of the title of Master Sculptor.

Passion and Experiential Learning

Assisting an individual to take charge of their own learning through ongoing dialogue, empowering them with knowledge and resources, and helping them to find opportunities that will enhance their life long learning while encouraging professional advancements means tapping into the passion of the individual. Tap that passion and an undying enthusiasm for learning will develop. Even though I am teaching a subject or a discipline of art or writing even helping other with their career goals, as creative individuals it is this personal passion that I am hoping to ignite.

Life is Interdisciplinary A creative life and education is inherently interdisciplinary. It is rare that you will meet a gifted individual who is single minded in their creative practice. The individual and their creativity are usually extremely complex. The key is to encourage and celebrate the interdisciplinary excitement and exploration of the creative individual while also encouraging focus. This means that an instructor is more than just teaching a subject or a discipline, but they are helping a student to explore

Communication and Differences

Communication is essential, between students and instructor as well as between instructor, coworkers and administration. It is also necessary to understand that individuals work differently when it comes to accepting and retaining information.

Understanding the diverse array of students, their cultural backgrounds as well as their experiential backgrounds and tailoring or tweaking the teaching style also helps with this clear communication. Finding the perfect dialogue that will fit each individual’s learning style and diversity, and being sure of clear communication with students, coworkers and administration is at times a challenge, but a challenge that I find continues to be my own welcomed exploration of the study of the psychology of learning and behavior.

Creative Angst

As an artist, writer, musician and business owner I understand the diverse nature of creativity and am intimately familiar with the struggles that students can have as they push through the creative process for either in individual projects, a semester, or in just trying to find their own voice. Understanding this internal war of art and sharing my own experiences, and by showing respect for the student and the process, while being transparent enough to allow the student to know their struggle gives us a rapport.

Size of Classes Small- Large- Challenged

Throughout my long career as a creative person and educator I have developed educational programs to assist individuals in tapping into their creativity. These have been presented to children, adults and those who suffer from emotional and psychological disabilities. I have taught sculpting, writing, art, and the business of art along with other subjects one on one, in small groups and at large lectures. In all of these instructional venues I strive for the personal connection to each individual through sharing and exploration. Education is a collaborative effort as one stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before or shares information for research and makes advances.

Teaching is more than a job; it actually offers a way for me to fill the unquenchable need to pass on information. To help those who are struggling through areas that I have come through, and to ignite self esteem.

My research and involvement in the art community continues. I look forward to sharing these resources and opportunities with my students. Through this education I will find ways for them to ignite their self-assurance and to apply their newfound knowledge, while realizing that, “Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” John Dewey.

First Art and Technology podcast complete- we are on our way!

2010-03-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I conducted my new podcast that I have created as a part of my research into "Bridging the gap between the traditional sculpture studio and new technology." It will be located on my blog and our new website ( not up yet) Digitalsculpting.net. This site should be up by May along with the podcasts. It will be a community of artists offering a vast amount of resources on this subject. It was prompted by our publisher Elsevier and the new book on Digital Sculpting with Mudbox.

My first interview was with digital sculpting pioneer Robert Michael Smith. Monday I will interview Joris Debo from Materialise. My hit list for others in this podcast of Art and Technology are both artists, those in research and those providing the technologies for artists. I'm espeically interested in things that are near and dear to my heart. All aspects of technology that help to create figurative sculpture, methods that will assist in creating a new type of foundry and bronzes, clay and the history of digital art, as well as the mix of math, science and art.

I am continually reminded how much this bridge is needed, by both the vendors and by those working and passionate about creating and the technology. As Robert Michael Smith said in our interview.

"I'm glad to see people like you are picking this up and doing it on your own now. This stuff really should be financed from a single source. There should be a single hub of information. "

The others on my hit list.

The other artists involved in the Digital Stone exhibit.

The Digital Stone Project Not the same as the Digital Stone Exhibit

Carl Bass CEO of Autodesk and a sculptor and involved with the Digital Stone Exhibition

Synappsys Digital Services along with Shan Gray on the new process Data Direct To Mold used to create The American

Christiane Paul Who wrote these articles about digital technology and sculpture. The were written 10 years ago. This is how I was introduced to Robert Michael Smith. I would also like to interview the other artists in this group who were working in this digital sculpting 10 years ago they are:

Dan Collins

Kieth Brown

Michael Reese

Derrick Woodham

Christian Lavigne

Curator of Design and the Elastic Mind at MOMA Paola Antonelli

Someone from Solheim Laboratories at the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Washington about their digitally printing of clay and glass. I would love to cover one of their other collaborators with them. Perhaps Ron Rael @UC Berekely who asks in this post "Are we the first in the world to 3d print translucent Porcelain?" It does not take long to float through this blog and find another 6-10 people that I want to interview. and I must say I want to be able to print 3d ceramics in my studio!

I love Robert Lazarini's work and would be thrilled to interview him!
Adrian Bowyer about RepRap Open source.

Robert Michael Smith also gave me an extended hit list. Please, if you know anyone who is interested in being a part, and of course those wanting to sponsor the site, send them my way!

More slow

2010-03-12T05:00:00.001-08:00

A class mate at Goddard understood what I was saying about the power of slow and shared with me SlowDance By David Michalek. I'm sorry I can't post the videos but the links are incredible. "Sculpting Time."

The Power of Slow

2010-03-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

There is such power and expression in the slowness.

What is it about slow motion? As a sculptor of something that is stationary I wonder, "why am I intrigued with slow motion, especially of animals or the human form." I think that it might be that while viewing slow motion we are privy to the different nuances of emotion and movement. Slowing things down makes me think, "Ah there, if I could capture it right there, then a few second later," I say, "and that movement, oh isn’t that beautiful, if I could capture that right there." Of course, to be specific, it would be better if I could see the slow motion from different angels, all at the same time. That is what a sculptor does. The movement of a piece needs to look good from all sides, all directions, though one angle is probably the strongest or the most seen depending on the placement of the sculpture.

On another note, there is the anatomy. My heart skips a beat when I see the dog jump. Look at the power in the feet. I think, “Do I know this power because I have seen the frames before this action and the frames after the action? Would it be possible to have that same feeling if you saw that motion captured as a sculpture, and at which stage would I have to capture it to present that power?”

I think I should like to do a study. A study of slow motion as it pertains to art. How? My sculpting process is slow, meticulous. What if you combined slow and fast? What if I sculpted extremely fast, as sketches, which is a great practice, by the way, but interestingly enough, I never find I have the time to sculpt fast. What if I quickly sculpted different stills of movement as they are slowed and captured? Again I would need cameras from different angels to study the movement.

...interestingly enough, I never find I have the time to sculpt fast.

So look at this video not just as a commercial, but look at it for the emotion, the power, as a study of form and movement.

WANT YOUR WORK IN A MUDBOX BOOK? Please pass this on and twitter, need art quickly

2010-03-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

PLEASE REPLY QUICKLY, PASS ON THIS INFORMATION AND POST
We are looking for artwork created in Mudbox for a gallery for our new book. Deadline is this weekend. If you are interested in possibly participating please e mail me directly at Bridgette (the at sign) creativesculpture.com. There is no monetary compensation but we will give you credit in the book. You can use other software in conjunction with this creation as long as Mudbox was used as part of your work flow.

Please contact me by this weekend (March 5-6) and let me know your interest, if you have your work posted on the internet send a link and then I will ask you to send an image via e mail once I check with my coauthor. Then we will send you a release form. WE ARE ON A TIGHT DEADLINE. ALL ARTWORK MUST BE IN ALONG WITH RELEASE FORMS BY TUESDAY the 9th of March. Thanks in advance for your interest.

Can art divulge secrets of science?

2010-03-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

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I am intrigued with the notion that somehow art can help us to understand hidden concepts that math and science cannot. I was first introduced to this idea when I happened upon weaver Nathalie Miebach in my first semester graduate studies at Goddard College. In this presentation of “Weaving Science Into Sculpture” for the Cambridge Science Festival, Nathalie talks about how she takes data that she has collected and weaves the data. The results are somewhat strange, but I cannot help but look at the artwork more closely, differently than I do just ordinary art. I feel Nathalie unknowingly weaved some secret here.

I wonder, can art be an additional source of exploration for things such as math and science? Then of course, still in my first semester at Goddard, I was introduced to the Design and the Elastic Mind exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). There are several videos on this site. They explore this very concept or art depicting science and math. Together MOMA, artists and scientists found through SEED magazine, worked together to create this exhibit. Again I am intrigued. What does the artwork say, that until the point of viewing the “data” in this way, could not be understood?

Design and the Elastic Mind Videos

This semester my intrigue continues as my professor sends me this link and the work of “Margaret Wertheim and her sister Christine on the beautiful math of coral.” She explores the hyperbolic geometry involved in creating coral reefs and the idea that up until this expressive form of art- crochet, mathematicians have not had a way to model the structure.

“Through this sort of modality, crochet, other plastic forms of play, people can be engaged with the most abstract, high powered theoretical ideas. The kind of ideas that normally you have to go to universities departments to study in higher mathematics.” “ But you can do it through playing with material objects.” States, Margaret. Surprisingly there has been an evolution of crochet species created by deviating from the algorithmic code.

In the video Margaret talks about how Chicago Cultural Center was filled with a crochet version of coral reef. The crocheting of coral reefs has become a movement of people spanning 3 continents. It is not only a way to link art and science but also a link between, “marine biology, feminine handicraft and environmental activism,” states Margaret Margaret and Christine have developed The Institute For Figuring. “The Institute For Figuring is an organization dedicated to the poetic and aesthetic dimensions of science, mathematics and the technical arts.”

My fascination and research continue. It is a bit different than what my original study is. Although I am studying art and technology, I am also extremely intrigued with how math and science plays into arts. The study has been, up to this point, about bridging the gap between technology and the traditional art studio. I’m focusing on digital printing and milling and scanning, and the creation of my new book, “Digital Sculpting in Mudbox.” Though I must say, this off shoot of my study has me enthralled. I’m not sure what I will do with it besides, look at the artwork and the marriage of science, math and art a bit closer, but then, my study is just beginning, who knows where this will lead. At a College like Goddard you are free to explore, and encouraged to engage in things that you might never have seen yourself explore and engage. For me, it is the best fit and an adventure in education.

As part of my study, this semester I have committed to interviewing others on art and technology in an online podcast. I look forward to beginning this creative endeavor. My initial thought was that perhaps it would be interviews with those who deal with digital sculpting, 3d printing, milling and 3d scanning, but I can see the possibilities for the podcast growing. More on this in up-and-coming posts, our first podcasts are scheduled for recording this month and available online soon.

Citations

"Weaving Science into Sculpture." Forum-Network. Web. 22 Oct 2009. .

"Weaving Science into Sculpture." Forum-Network. Web. 22 Oct 2009. .

“Design and the Elastic Mind: Introduction.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/123 .

“Design and the Elastic Mind: Nanodesign.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/124 .

“Design and the Elastic Mind:Organic Design.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009. http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/125

“Design and the elastic mind: 3d-Sketch.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009.
http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12/126.

“Design and the elastic mind: visualization.” Museum of Modern Art. 10 Nov 2009.
http://www.moma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/12.

"- The Institute For Figuring -." Web. 4 Mar. 2010 .

"Margaret Wertheim on the beautiful math of coral. “ TED. Web. 4 Mar. 2010 .

A glove fetish and wonderful illustrations.

2010-02-19T09:05:00.001-08:00

I love the illustrations of Max Klinger a German artist who usesa glove to represent a fetish a romantic yearning. These are great. 1881-1898 also known as "Paraphrase on the Finding of a Glove."

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.