New Technology Needs New Artists
The arts and the ways we perceive and receive them are an ever changing part of the human experience. New technologies emerge all the time that continue to change the path an artist might choose to take with their craft and the way it is delivered to the observer.
There are certainly many ways to create art, whether it be visual, auditory, or both. There are also many tools an artist can use to create their art. New tools shape the type of art that is possible, and artists continue to seek the ends of what they are capable of. The passing of time introduces bigger and better recording processes, new electronic instruments, leading to new genres for musicians to explore. Film makers discover new techniques made possible by new visual effects, and more advanced equipment. Other visual artists receive new additions to an already infinite list of mediums; new ways to sculpt, place color on canvas, capture reality with photography and imagination with after effects. Limitations continue to decrease, and artists find new ways to harness their imagination and creative spirit, which leads to the inspiration of even more artists.
As an artist myself I have explored some of what is accessible to me including pencil drawing as a kid, painting as an adult, and 3d printing as an engineer. The last of these combined with my love for painting these last 3 years has allowed me to take my creativity even farther than a 2d page or canvas allowed me to.
PROJECT 2
My most recent project has been over a year in the making and it is finally almost finished. I designed and 3d printed nearly all of the parts for an elephant themed fountain. This technology allowed me to experience what I think is the root of joy for an artist: creating something from nothing. The entire idea used all of my tools, starting with hand sketches of what I saw in my head, to 3d modeling and printing, to finally painting and assembling all of the parts into my second fountain project aptly titled PROJECT 2.
I am most excited about this industry as it applies to art as well as its even more contributions to engineering. I am eager to see what different artists will use it to create things which were previously impossible as 3d printing becomes more accessible. And as an engineer, this industry has me even more excited for the ways it will be able to improve the lives of so many people. From medical patients in need of custom mechanical prosthetics and brand new stem cell treatments to the people it will provide housing to, 3d printing has the potential to improve so many different industries.
More on some of these industries can be found at: https://plussocialgood.medium.com/how-3d-printing-could-revolutionize-the-future-of-development-54a270d6186d