Tripod Flask
Parametric Design : : Tripod Flask and Cups
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.
Tripod Flask and Cups
Sake: a rice-based alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin
Tokkuri: flask for serving sake
Guinomi: sake cup
I worked with Griffith University Visual Arts department again on this second series of parametric design works. It consists of four sculptural vessels for serving drinks: the tripod flask and three cups of different forms.
Tripod Sake Cups Illuminated Internally
Southern Ice Porcelain
All of these works have been slip cast using Southern Ice porcelain. The translucency of this fine material is evident in the photographs of the cups inverted over an LED. For more images and further information on the nature, origins and qualities of porcelain, including Southern Ice porcelain, see the Southern Ice porcelain page.
Surface Finishes
In this series I experimented with the use of oxides to colour the liquid Southern Ice porcelain and the spontaneous mixing and pouring conferred random patterns and distribution of oxides to the works. The firing in strong reduction in a gas kiln also played a role in the different surface effects and coloration of the oxides. The impression of sky in one of the sake cups and the appearance of a 'flame' in another were entirely serendipitous.
Exhibitions
The Tripod Sake Set was selected for exhibition by the London Design Festival, by the 9th International Ceramics Competition Mino, Japan and by 10th International Biennial Of Ceramics Manises, Spain in 2011.
Awards
The sake set passed three stages of judging in the 9th International Ceramics Competition, Mino, Japan. It was exhibited In the Ceramics Park Mino in Gifu and received the Award of Merit.
