Interactive Parametrics

Today has been a busy, busy day. It will probably be the baseline for what’s shaping up to be an incredibly busy week.

I’ve spent the day Makerbotting, programming, and enjoying the company of some truly brilliant people at the Interactive Parametrics workshop. Once things are settled and the dust has cleared I’ll be documenting some of the fruits of my labor. I’ve even gotten to document the MakerBots Bre was kind enough to bring along to modeLab in time lapse.

I’ve learned a few important things. Firstly, Processing has a lot more functionality for 3d modeling and array based modeling that I’d figured. Second, Marius Watz is an excellent teacher and has built some beautiful libraries for 3d modeling in processing. And thirdly, the Thing-O-Matic is a damn impressive piece of hardware.

I’ve been sincerely impressed with how it handles models. It’s a quantum leap from the earlier Makerbots. The heated build platform and capton envelope make a tremendous difference.

There is so much potential with applying algorithmic structures to 3d models. Artists like Jessica Rosenkrantz of Nervous System and Bathsheba Grossman use it to great effect, but I believe we’ve only seen the barest fraction of what can be done.

In other news I’m in the running for a FEAST grant. If you’re in Brooklyn come out and lend your support. I’m also contributing some work to the Transmetropolitan Art Book that’s going together. Look for it in your local comic shop in the next few months.