3D technology is among the interests of academicians and artists just like any technology. In that sense, it can be a part of sculpture, textile, design works as well as scientific researches. One of the examples of that is the works of Taekyom Lee, who is Graphics Assistant Professor in Appalachian State University. The artist uses ceramics in 3D designs which result in great art works.
Taekyeom’s project branched out from his academic research interest. His research explores unconventional methods of creating three-dimensional type with materials and techniques unique to type design — such as ceramics and desktop 3D printing. This research reflects on the development of the digital fabrication and the unconventional typographic practices in the new digital age. He has made three-dimensional ceramic type as a series of typographic explorations to strive challenge and seek a new way to create tangible type in the three-dimensional space. About a year ago, a new idea came to mind. Taekyeom thought of combining typography, ceramic and 3D printing. “Especially, desktop 3D printing drew my attention because I do not need the space and equipment for a clay studio. I can make more intricate and variety of modular designs with the new tool,” he explains.
This was eventually followed by a scaled-up RepRap-inspired 3D printer than can print small and medium objects (up to 300mm tall with a diameter of 300mm), made from numerous off-the-shelf parts, laser cut plexiglass and an Arduino. This was followed by the arduous task of teaching himself how to calibrate the 3D printer. “I tested more than 40 different firmwares. It was a tedious job to test many different configurations. On Sunday, October 25, 2015, I solved the problem and my printer began working properly. I tested calibration with a pen and paper. The first word I wrote with my printer was ‘HI’,” he recalls. Earlier this summer, he also developed a new extruder that required him to test 56 different screws and 8 housings over a three week period.
Taekyeom is able to print small and medium scale 3D printed ceramic objects up to 300mm tall with a diameter of 300mm. His plan is to build a bigger printer and a larger clay extruder. With this new printer, he wants to print human-scale 3D typographic sculptures with clay and/or concrete. “I am an educator who likes to share what he has learned so far. For me that is the reason to become an educator. I am always looking for opportunities and venues to show my research. Please contact me if you are interested in a workshop, an artist talk and/or an exhibition,” he says. You can reach the artist via this e-mail address; [email protected]