Digitally, 3D has been around for many years now, and we have seen graphic designers use 3D graphics for everything from animated film to website design or even for printing a unique poster design. But 3D did not stop with digital graphics.
Although 3D printing has been around since the late 1970s and 80s, the technology wasn’t readily available until recently. And now that 3D printing has become much more accessible, it’s no surprise that artists have taken to the medium. That’s not to say that the traditional uses of 3D printing aren’t an art form in and of themselves. But the typical use has been that of fast prototyping of parts for manufacturing.
New 3D printing machines are being experimented with continuously, such as the portable 3D architectural printer called the KamerMaker, which is one of the largest 3D printers and can print full-sized furniture. As an open source pavilion, anyone is invited to test, experiment, and make improvements.
This collection takes a look at some of the more artistic endeavors of folks who have gotten their hands on a 3D printer. In some cases you can still see some practical, commercial applications – such as architectural prototypes printed by such machines as the KamerMaker. But sometimes the designs are very clearly just an exploration of the medium.
