Date of Award

6-2016

Document Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Visual Arts

First Advisor

Fernando Orellana

Language

English

Keywords

nature, technology, 3d, complex, detailed

Abstract

For my senior thesis I explore the juxtaposition between nature and technology. There is beauty in the ubiquitous contrast and coexistence between these two entities, which we encounter on a daily basis. My work has been inspired by Ernst Haeckel, a German biologist, naturalist, and artist from the early 1900’s. His artwork includes over 100 detailed drawings, prints, and multi-colored illustrations of animals and sea creatures with a focus on representing the intricate details found in nature. I’ve emulated this attention to detail within nature by modeling (using Cinema 4D software and 3D printing with a MakerBot printer) sculptures that embody the interaction between nature in a molecular form, while using the capabilities of industrialized technology. I have extended the process employed by Haeckel by visually exploring the new 3D printing medium in more detailed and complex ways. Light is incorporated within my sculptures to abstractly represent our reliance on the sun. Like the relationship between nature and technology, my showpieces are complex and multi-leveled. To add another nature-based dimension vines are grown and incorporated with some of the 3D printed models themselves. I believe this commingled representation reflects nature and technology in a beautiful and reciprocal relationship.

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