Generated objects 1 to 5 : : 3D Modelling of Source Objects
Parametric Design : : Biomimesis
In 2007 I began to to create 3 dimensional forms in 3D modelling software to achieve the precise geometric yet organic forms I sought. I researched rapid prototyping to realise the forms I had generated and experimented with different rapid prototyping technologies to produce these series of works.
Biomimesis - 5 Sculptural Forms
Flask and Cups based on the form of a tripod
Flask Arc and Cups Wave, Cone and Orbit
Hybrid Flasks and Cups
The Design Process
A simple object such as a cylinder is created in a virtual space. The object consists of lines connecting points known as vertices to form a 3D mesh. A single point (vertex), line (edge) or face (polygon), or groups of these may be selected and manipulated to alter the shape. The object is manipulated in realtime so transformations are immediately seen and can be undone or saved. Once the object is completed it is sent to a 3D printer, where it can be printed in an appropriate material from plastics or metals to aggregates for printing buildings. The printed object can then be used to make plaster moulds for use in a slip casting process to create an object in ceramic.
First Series of Works - Biomimesis
Biomimesis (2009) is an installation of porcelain sculptures, which synthesises ancient and contemporary materials and processes. It consists of five objects: Generated Object 1 to Generated Object 5 (GO1 - GO5).
Biomimesis: to mimic life; to imitate biological systems
Biomimetics: application of biological systems to engineering design
I worked with Griffith University Visual Arts department to create this first series.
Properties
The pieces are hollow with walls 2-3mm thick. They are fired to 1280℃ in oxidation, which vitrifies the porcelain imparting the translucency and whiteness for which Southern Ice is renowned. The objects have smooth, polished surfaces and are very tactile.
Inspiration
The work takes as its theme the research and development by practitioners in a broad range of disciplines into the use of materials, structures, systems and processes from the natural world to inform design and engineering projects (biomimetics). These generated objects evoke aerodynamic or hydrodynamic forms and are inspired by lifeforms which have developed various means of locomotion to facilitate their navigation through air or water and their engineered counterparts designed to achieve the same objectives.
Generated object 1 : : Porcelain 9.5 x 17.0 x 19.0cm
Southern Ice Porcelain
All of these works were slip cast using Southern Ice porcelain. For more images and further information on the nature, origins and qualities of porcelain, including Southern Ice porcelain, see the Southern Ice porcelain page.
Exhibitions
In February 2014 Biomimesis was selected for the 44th Annual UWW Ceramics Exhibition: Contemporary Artists Mixing Old and New Technologies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA. Biomimesis was also selected for inclusion in an exhibition entitled White at the State Library of Queensland in 2010. The exhibition was organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Gallery and featured work in porcelain by artists from Australia and Lombardy, Italy. Biomimesis was also selected for exhibition at In Design Sydney .
Publications
Biomimesis is featured in the book Porcelain by Vivienne Foley published in the US and UK in 2014.
Dimensions in Centimetres
| Item | Height | Width | Depth |
| GO1 | 9.5 | 17 | 19 |
| GO2 | 3 | 21 | 10.5 |
| GO3 | 4.5 | 22 | 7 |
| GO4 | 3.5 | 21.5 | 8 |
| GO5 | 3.5 | 22 | 10 |
