029

Authors:

 Brown, Keith.

Title:

 The "CALM PROJECT" - Creating Art with Layer Manufacture

Keywords:

 Sculpture, Rapid Prototyping, Unique, Innovative, Possibilities

Abstract:

 The extraordinary potential of 3D computer modelling and the development of accompanying realisation techniques had, until recently, been largely overlooked by the arts community in the UK. The HEFCs set up the CALM project in the UK through their Joint Technology Applications Program (JTAP), as part of an initiative intended to increase the awareness and use of RP by artists in the UK. The project ran for two years, from January 1997 - December 1998.

This presentation will show the results of the largest ever program for artists and designers using the new technology of layer manufacture. The aim of the project was to arrange access to layer manufacture facilities for sculptors and designers working in higher education institutions in the UK. With government funding in the region of £100,000 the CALM Project has organised training for, and supported, British Sculptors to create RP works using a variety of techniques; SLS, LOM, FDM, SLA.

Twenty-two artworks were selected, and manufactured, from a wide range of applicants drawn from universities throughout the UK. The selection was made by engineers, from R&D RP sites in UK university who were involved with the CALM Project, according to criteria which was aimed at "the extent to which the proposed objects exploited the unique features of rapid prototyping". The works produced on this project come from a wide range of stylistic and ideological artistic practitioners and they demonstrate a highly imaginative and innovative approach to the application of this new technology.

The possibilities to actually make tangible solid objects, in an increasingly available variety of materials, from 3D computer models and such diverse sources as digital sound and video offers new horizons, both conceptual and practical, for the creation of a new kind of sculpture not previously possible.

The CALM project has more than doubled the world number of artists working with RP.
Brown, Keith. keith.brown@mcr1.poptel.org.uk The Manchester Metropolitan University UK 1971 Manchester Polytechnic H.D.A. 1972 Royal College of Art M.A. Employment: 1975 Research Fellow Gloucestershire College of Art, Cheltenham. 1976 Research Fellow Cardiff College of Art.1977 Artist in Residence Hartnell College, Salinas, California, U.S.A. 1979 Guest Professor Jan Van Eyck Academy Maastricht, Holland. 1983 Artist in Residence International Sculpture Symposium Y.S.P.1985 Guest Professor Trondheim Kunstacademie Norway.1991 Course Leader M.A. Fine Art Dept Fine Arts M.M.U.1993 Principal Lecturer in Fine Art Dept Fine Arts M.M.U. Recent Exhibitions 1994 Link, M.M.U. Dept., Fine Arts, Wasaw Academy, Poland.1997 6th Symposium Art & Technology Connecticut USA1998 The Birth of the Baby Manchester and the Modern Computer Manchester 1948-1998 Manchester Museum."Fear & Doubt" isea98terror John Holden Gallery Manchester Metropolitan University.CALM isea98terror Side Gallery Manchester Metropolitan University: CALM Touring Exhibition.MCB Gallery (on-line conference) The Future of Rapid Prototyping. Conference Presentations: 1997 CADE 97 Cybersculpture and VR. Presenter and Panel Convenor.6th Symposium Art & Technology Connecticut USA, Paper; Digitising Nature - Naturalising Digets. 1998 International Sculpture Conference, Chicago, USA. Sculpture and Computers 1998 isea98terror Manchester. Sculpture and Computer Technology in the UK Recent Publications: 1997 Computer Arts (UK): issue12: Profile Manchester.1998 Computer Arts (France) #4 September "Sculpture Numerique" Christian Lavigne Professional Organisations: 1995-98 Prodution Manager & Technical Coordinator: isea98terror 1996-98 Member of JISC JTAP Steering Committee CALM Project 1997 Founder and President of FasT-uk (Fine Art Sculptors and Technology in the UK) Head of School, Sculpture, Time-Based & Digital Media=Manchester Metropolitan University