2021

Studies in Blue examines Alterfact’s process of 3D printing with clay, which sits between programmed intention and materially driven serendipity.

Any 3D printed piece is a result of the code sent to the printer, which controls where and how the material is extruded in order to build a final form. Because of our interest in clay itself, we intentionally program the code to include possibilities of ‘failure’ where the extruded clay ‘noodle’ is unsupported and produces a form with a mind of its own. Through repeatedly printing and adjusting the design, the digital design enters into conversation with the material, where we adjust the code to form the ideal ‘failure’.

Studies in Blue consists of several outcomes of seeking the ideal ‘failure’. The full video goes for 20 minutes and is made up of 8 or so of these short macro vignettes.

Explore the video below.