Before starting this project, I had little knowledge about the 3D printing process. The one thing I did know is that a majority of 3D printing uses plastics to print the image. Given that I view much of the world through a sustainable lens, I was not fond of the idea that I would possibly 3D print something and contribute to the large amount of plastic waste that currently exists on the Earth. I began to do more research about other methods of 3D printing and discovered that clay can be used as a material to 3D print with. Upon this discovery, I was introduced to food being a materiel to 3D print with as well. 3D printing truly puts the power of professional creation in the hands of individuals as opposed to the industry.
I decided to create something to 3D print using Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/). This site allows you to set up a free account to build your own object to 3D print. With the addition of the social exchange website, Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/), people can upload their 3D models to share with others. One can view designs and use specific components from others blueprints to quicken the pace at which they can make their own object. This promotes the idea that students can contribute to the large community of visual culture like many others.
I modeled a small candle holder with honeycomb and square shapes which you can view below. Thanks to other creators in Thingiverse, this was a much easier task than starting my design from scratch. The use of the honeycomb shapes and candle light aims to make commentary on shedding light on the bees. Many bees are suffering to uphold safe survival rates due to poor environmental choices of the human population. Although my design may appear kitschy, like a simple decorative object you may find in your home, the selective use of clay to print, unique shape, and application of fire as a natural element allow for a much stronger meaning to reveal itself. Click here to view the image from all angles: https://miskasavanna.wixsite.com/mysite/3d-modeling
When assigning this project to students in an art classroom, it is important to note the substitution and modification that occur when referring to the SAMR Model. Clay is a traditional media that many can work into whichever object they desire through time and labor, but 3D modeling and printing allow for a new visual planning approach that increases accuracy and cuts down on time where students physically work with the clay. Although there are many benefits to this high degree of planning, it is important for students to be able to have the opportunity to have a kinesthetic experience with the clay. Printing with plastic allows for a meticulous creation that was not previously able to be crafted by hand due to plastics high temperature needed for flexibility. This modification allows for a students to create a flexible, yet durable creation with the use of unique 3D printers.
3D modeling and printing are typically used together to create unique objects, but I believe that the use of 3D modeling alone opens new opportunities to enhance student planning that were once very labor intensive. With proper knowledge of eco-friendly materials, students can see the ways that their artwork can make a long lasting impact on others in the Thingiverse community, and the large community of visual culture.