3D Printing Brings Art and Technology Closer than Ever

It is becoming harder and harder to ignore the impressive rise of 3D printing. One such example of the technology’s popularity is the hugely successful 3D Printshow. Now a world-renowned event and the primary showcase for the growing interest and fascination with the medium, the first Printshow was held in London in 2012 and has since gone from strength to strength.
In addition to showcasing 3D printing’s impact on everything from fashion to medicine, there is one sector where the technology is expected to make a swift but lasting impact. Art. And with examples of 3D printing in art already on the rise, many industry experts expect there to be an increased crossover between the already associated worlds of art and technology.

Can technology really influence art?

The show’s founder Kerry Hogarth proudly points out that the innate sense of novelty attached to 3D printing makes it a perfect bedfellow for the always experimental and ever-changing art industry. Speaking specifically about this important connection, Hogarth said: “The art world is really driving the buzz around 3D printing at the moment, because artists are really able to push the boundaries of the manufacturer’s printers.”

Indeed from its 2012 inception 3D Printshow has included gallery style set ups featuring the work of dynamic artists such as Tobias Klein and Sophie Khan, using this most imaginative and exciting of new art supplies, the shows are intended to highlight the intricate connection between creativity and technology. Further reinforcing this link, Klein is currently featured in a landmark exhibition at London’s Science Museum, the spectacular showcase aims to highlight the crossover between art and science and its potential impact on the future.

Capturing art forever

Away from the glitz and glamour of the Printshow, one perhaps unlikely area expected to be impacted by the predicted prevalence of 3D printing is that most innocent of artistic endeavours. The creations of our children. Whether an impulsive scribble completed at the kitchen table or a precious piece of school work, new developments in printing could soon enable proud parents to immortalise their youngsters’ work in 3D form.

Called Crayon Creatures, the plan comes from Spanish designer Bernat Cuni who has developed a business based around parents’ needs to preserve their children’s creativity. The success of the company so far has prompted some to suggest that alongside the usual paints and brushes currently stocked at the likes ofJackson’s Art Suppliesthe liquid powder or sheet material used in 3D printing may soon be a mainstay of art shop shelves across the world. Speaking about the already popular service he offers, Cuni told The Guardian newspaper: “I’m sure soon there will be software that kids can use to 3D-model and print things themselves – and they won’t just be printing out their crayon scribbles.”

A showcase for the future

With the 3D Printshow featuring everything from talks on business development to designer fashion shows, the event is designed to truly represent the belief of many that 3D printing will soon become an accessible and indispensable technological tool in everyday life. Just as the internet is now a ubiquitous feature for many, 3D printing may well soon follow suit.

Published by Kidal Delonix (1200 Posts)

Kidal Delonix is a contributor to Mr. Hoffman's blog. The views and opinions are entirely his/her own and may not reflect Mr Hoffman's views.