Cosmo Wenman’s mind-blowing 3D-printed sculptures
October 22, 2012
(Credit: Cosmo Wenman)
Cosmo Wenman is a California artist who has just reminded us not to limit our imaginations when it comes to what can be made, MakerBot Blog reports.
The horse head and human bust you see here were made entirely of MakerBot PLA Filament (White) on the original MakerBot Replicator.
“We believe so strongly in the potential of the renewable bioplastic PLA that we optimized the new MakerBot Replicator 2 for that material,” the blog says.
Cosmo captured the original ancient sculptures, the marble “Head of a horse of Selene from the east pediment of the Parthenon” (Acropolis, Athens, 438-432 BC) and “Portrait of Alexander the Great” (Hellenistic Greek, 2nd-1st century BC), using digital photography and Autodesk 123D Catch (free).
(Credit: Cosmo Wenman)
“The next picture shows a similar blank of the Alexander the Great portrait. I can speak for MakerBot staff in saying that these sculptures are incredibly authentic looking and feeling, which caused several people in the office to wonder why we had them.
“Are we going to scan these and make them on a MakerBot?” No, no, we explained. These were already made on a MakerBot.”
Comments (15)
by Cybernettr
I wish there were a way to sort the responses by oldest first. The reverse order format really makes it hard sometimes to see who is responding to who.
by GatorALLin
look a 3d printed light. only $7,699. cubify fail.
http://cubify.com/store/creation.aspx?reference=SZVA9MzEMc86
by Bri
It’s REALLY good plastic. Feel the material.
by Bri
I must admit, I didnt think that I would get the responses that I received. I wasn’t trying to be elitist. I love crafts too. My father used to do the graphics for the Today Show. He also taught at Pratt Institute. Art truly is in the eyes of the beholder. I think everyone should explore the arts and crafts. A 3D printer is an ideal way to experience the rules of art. Try and make something. Then try to make some art. Gordon, I agree. If you like it and want it, make an exact copy of the original. It changes the context, that the artist intent for it to be scene. A miniature of David might be nice on a shelf, but it would never evoke the feelings that Micheal Angelo wanted it to. My dad had some nonsensical rules for art. Rule # 1. There are no rules. Rule # 2. if it doesn’t work, you’ve broken rule number one!
by Surf Lady
Holy fuck I went to UCLA with this dude.
by Bri
The Romans made many copies of Greek classical sculpture. Although they were excellent copies, an art expert can tell the differences. They lack the originals fluidity. Taking a picture with a camera is not the same. You may be able to make an exact copy of the living thing, but art is not about reproduction. It’s about interpretation and saying something. When Mixheal Angelo made the 14 ft tall stature of David, he actually tapered the body so that the head and torso are larger than they should be. This is so you can view the statue from close to it, and it seems in proportion. He wanted you to be moved by the size of little David. That David was the real giant, not Goliath.3D printing has the potential to make unbeleivable things, but it’s not just the craft of replication, that makes it art. Art is mention to evoke emotions. Just like anyone can take a picture, it takes a truly gifted photographer to compose a dynamite shot.
by dbamford
Your “views on art” are more myopic and restrictive than that which you attempt to foist on those participating in digital craft.
by Not Disclosed
Bri is 100% correct.
Cosmo’s work is craft but not art.
Your post is obnoxious and incoherent (and who the hell are you quoting btw?).
by EP
A physical copy is nothing original, but it has the same virtues as the original. Nothing can transcend its smallest element.
by Gorden Russell
But Bri, this brings sculpture to the masses. Don’t the proles have a right to a copy of David?
And did you click on the link for the Autodesk 123 Catch and check out the clip of the man making a bust of the little boy? Sure, a lot of proud suburban fathers will use this to make kitsch for the coffee table, but there will be gifted photographers using this to compose dynamite shots. Just think of what all the young art students will do with this.
by Gorden Russell
On the other hand, I just had a bad thought. When suburban kids get their hands on this they will use it like they have been using cell phones for sexting. Then those perverted trolls from Reddit will be exploiting 12-year-old girls for their sculptures.
No matter how great a new development is, some creep always finds a way to subvert it.
But then again, art students who are of age will be making their own versions of Rodin’s “The Lovers” with their own girlfriends.
This is such a mixed bag.
by Not Disclosed
Excellent points, Bri.
Thank you for your insight.
by Dr.Pratt
I really like your take on this. You have an artists mind, as well as a scientists mind. Good job!
by aus
Great! Ii’d love to see a resurgence of sculpture on par with that of the greco-romans.
I see the 21st century as similiar to the Helenistic period, which was also a great time of scientific development and cultural unification.
by Not Disclosed
Yes!
It is what we need to achieve greatness.
Thank you for your insight and connection to the Classical Period.
Now we need to develop the individual courage to become true citizens.