artfa artsake

Artfa Artsake is one of my manifestations as an artist; it is also the name of my Larnook studio in Far Northern NSW. It is through this name that I produced my first experiments in the virtual realm. Revolving around the world of the potter's wheel is that metaphor of finding the center or being centered. Like the sun in our solar system perhaps. SunPlate artfa_artsake 1996

In parallel with my experiments in 3D modelling was an investigation into free published astronomy images. In the mid 1990s the Hubble Space Telescope was hurtling outward to the edges of the solar system beaming back images far clearer that any before taken from inside the atmosphere of our blue planet. Keeping up with the latest Hubble photos was my initiation into discovering the internet. VenusBowl artfa_artsake 1996

3D modelling software utilises a device called the lath tool which turns a profile into a virtual object. The similarity to the potter’s wheel for me was overwhelming seductive. I discovered that I could create images of 'pottery' along the similar lines to the storage jars that I had been producing for 20 or so years. Not only could I 'make pots' without having to get my hands dirty but infinite possibilities were being realised in what 'surface' these virtual ceramics could wear. OurOwnBowl artfa_artsake 1996

Our Own Bowl for instance has a surface that is borrowed from a real piece of ceramics that I had made around the same time. The piece was made using a complicated system of 3D printing that I had developed in my stoneware studio using plaster moulds and slips coloured with stains. These are my earliest experiments in the virtual realm and in retrospect reflect the simple approach I had to the software and the potential for outcomes. Just the same I see them as relevant to the history of my Virtual Ceramics.

The climax of this body of work was an animated work that had a number of virtual bowls seen to be revolving around black reflective column over surface once again borrowed from that same real 'jug'. I have here 3 stills from the animation.

10/4 (aka ArtfaArtsake)