Tim Clark Explores Ceramics via 3D Printer
This summer, Visual Arts teacher Tim Clark was fully immersed in the creation of ceramic objects, exploring both familiar and less familiar techniques of creating work. He was producing clay objects using his hands, the potter’s wheel, 3D printers (both clay and plastic printers), as well as using plaster molds as a means of creating ceramic forms. He took “Adventures in Slipcasting, Prototyping, and Mold-Making” at Harvard University’s Ceramics Program, participated in a wheel throwing workshop with artist Stuart Gair, and created the objects for a site specific art installation currently on view at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA. This outdoor exhibit runs through September 27.
Designing and creating objects using a computer and 3D printer was by far the most new and challenging methods for Clark. He had previously participated in several faculty workshops run by Rivers engineering teacher Yoshi Fujita who showcased some of the capabilities of CAD software for designing items to be printed on our 3D printer or cut using our laser cutter. This summer, Clark used the same CAD software to design a drinking vessel. After printing the object at Rivers (on our 3D printer in plastic), Clark made a plaster mold of the prototype, and used casting slip (liquid clay) to create the final drinking vessels. As the plaster mold draws moisture out of the slip, a thin wall of hardened clay is created and the remaining casting slip can be poured out, leaving a hollow vessel.
Using the same CAD file, Clark generated a number of variously sized vessels at Harvard using their 3D clay printer, which extrudes a stream of very soft clay from a pressurized nozzle as it prints the file. “This particular printer was a bit finicky, and the learning curve was steep, so it took many attempts before the design came out well,” remarked Clark. “I often talk to my students about failing fast as a means of learning to solve a problem, and I had the opportunity to experience and relish in that exact experience as I journeyed through learning to work with the Delta 3D clay printer.”
“I am very excited about the possibilities in the new Center for Science and Visual Arts. The opportunities for collaboration and intersection between the disciplines will be incredible for the students to witness and experience”.
Clark’s work will be exhibited in Bell Gallery next month in the annual Art Department faculty show, set to open on Thursday, October 11. Be sure to stop by and see his slipcast and 3D printed objects as well as the creative efforts of his talented fellow department members.
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