From concept to completion each artwork has been created as one design. Each design includes the cast/printed object as one element and when connected with other elements – completes the design in its entirety under the ‘theme’ and its meaning – ‘Connectiveness’.
To consider the cast/printed metal object only is to denote the artwork/the cast/printed metal object to be one of ‘disconnectiveness’, not ‘connectiveness.
In this scenario, the cast/printed metal object signifies singularity, aloneness, abandonment.
In the context of my work this, in its manifestation in regard to being human, relates to issues of depression, suicide, loneliness … and, thus does not represent the very meaning/purpose of this Residency – ‘Connectiveness’.
The Team in Action
Since the last blog, work has progressed using two technologies:
- Voxeljet 3D sand printer
CAST ARTWORK DESIGNS
‘Neurons’
Aluminium
Inside the chamber where the sand printed moulds are created.
Carolynne learns – cleaning the mould to remove unbound sand, as it will impact adversely on the quality of the pour and/or the cast object.
Neuron cast in aluminium. Note the area around the end of the upper axon and in the central area ie the nucleus – where there is a gap between the upper and lower moulds, aluminium flows through and has to be removed by hand with tools such as pliers/Dremel and such, then the neuron polished. The black areas are the sand mould which is yet to be removed from the cast neuron.
- Arcam Electron Beam Melting 3D printer
3D PRINTED DESIGNS
‘Endoplasmic reticulum’ (rough and smooth)
Titanium
3D printing takes place within the Arcam.
The printing progress can be viewed through the round ‘black’ port.
Both technologies have presented challenges in transposing concepts into 3D objects that remain virtually the same as in my original 2D concept renderings.
Keeping the original concepts consistent with
the final object is testament to teamwork in action:
- CSIRO – Gary Savage (Voxeljet 3D sand printer) and Darren Fraser’s (Arcam Electron Beam Melting 3D printer) inputs into the CAD work, so as to enable the artwork designs to come to fruition (see previous blog).
- The work of Hasitha Bandara in taking ‘SolidWorks’ to its capacity in creating the CAD files that delivered my artwork designs.
Experimentation
There were inherent difficulties in being able to remain consistent to the original concept artwork designs taking into account the nature and attributes of mould making/casting and 3D printing. The 3D printing process on the ARCAM constitutes a different process and outcomes to that of the Voxeljet 3D sand printer. This is related to each specific technology and the selected metal for the particular artwork design.
At each stage, a forensic examination and assessment was required to identify problems that inhibited the original artwork design being created. Experimentation generated options, so as to determine the optimal solution for both the cast/printed objects and the elements that were required to complete each object.
An example, is the ‘Wallart’. It is in its entirety, the ‘Wallart’ piece is the interplay of the cast aluminium neurons within the display system in which they are placed. Considerations included, but are not exclusive to:
- Colour
- Texture
- Light
- Size, proportions
- Materials
- Cost
As a significant part of Residency, with all experiments, some solutions work, others do not and other directions pursued. In the instance of the ‘Wallart’ piece there has been many choices with respect to:
- The neurons
- Referencing photographs of actual neurons – Forms? Size?
- Transposing my 2D renderings into 3D CAD files. The intervening step between the aforementioned is gaining knowledge and understandings of the requirements that impact on casting and printing technologies – the mould and metal ie vents, temperature are but two aspects and for printed work.
• Determining – Quantity? Metal type? Finishing style. Surface – High or mat polish? Leave as cast/printed?
- Display system
- How to display the neurons as one artwork design?
Frame:
- Timber – Natural, stained or painted? Metal?
- Details eg Hanging/suspending/fixing the neurons – Screws? Nails? Staples? Wire? Thread?
- Dimension: Size of frame – weight, type, fixing neurons to/within the frame – Glue? Screw eye? Flat head screws?
- Background of the frame – include or not. If include what material – Type? Texture? Colour? Weight? Fixing to frame – Glue? Nail? Screw? Environmental issues ie maintenance/cleaning? – Humidity? Lighting?
…and these are but few considerations amongst many for just the one artwork design.
The Production Cycle – Experimentation. Testing. Assessing
Experimentation has been a key component of this Residency and has at all times been undertaken in collaboration with Team members as appropriate to the Problem in hand towards determining Options > Solutions.
Decision making has led me to options and then a final solutions.
Experimentation has been significant in two aspects:
1. Technical/engineering/CAD aspects related to casting and printing of the artwork designs.
At times, specialist engineering knowledge was required. This was provided with detail as needed to resolve the artwork design for printing/casting ie stability, strength, etc.
Conversations and mind maps such as the above were instrumental in solving the problem of the flow of metal between the two halves of the moulds – see example below where the aluminium is spurting out of the side of the mould and onto the floor. Weights were added to the top of the mould – see ingot shaped metal forms. However, if the vents were not placed appropriately or were too small in diameter the flow of metal was compromised.
The learning’s as to metal flow, temperature, venting and so forth has been highly informative and productive. Such problems have now been resolved with the CAD drawings been amended and the moulds held firmly in place re locators and weights to hold the moulds together.
2. In the main, each work required additional elements to complete it ie ‘Wallart refer to aforementioned.
Knowledge, Skill and Insight Transfer
Exchanges with CSIRO Team members were either informal ie in Lab22, in the hallway to discuss the topic/challenge in hand, or formally where meetings were diarised for a particular day/time/duration with one of more of the team attending.
Other team members are:
- Professor Ashley Bush
Chief Scientific Officer for the Cooperative
Research Centre for Mental Health (Parkville);
Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry
University of Melbourne;
Director of the new ‘Melbourne Dementia Research Centre’ (MDRC) which is a joint collaboration between the University
of Melbourne and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
Professor Bush and his team are kept informed as to the status of the project by emails and phone calls; as well I have:
> Meet with Professor Bush throughout the Residency to show and discuss the objects at each stage of their development.
> Had/having meetings with the ‘Melbourne Dementia
Research Centre’ staff plus emailed updates and spoken to
individuals at various touch points throughout the Residency.
- Industrial design student, Swinburne University of Technology.
In sitting alongside Hasitha Bandara for hours on end, I learnt much about CAD as I directed him in transforming my 2D work into CAD.
Work Sheets
Clear Communication between Team members
Work Sheets have been designed and implemented to ensure commonality of understandings re the design+technology where the ‘Problem’ was identified, ‘Options’ being proffered and ‘Solutions’ determined. An example of one Work Sheet – complexity such as precise measurements, positioning, colour, materials and so forth vary and are included in the sheets as appropriate:
Work Smart
I am continuing to ‘Work smart‘. Where possible, I am sourcing component parts for the artwork designs as required and appropriate.
The designs are artworks in progress with work continuing re final cleaning, finishing (polishing) of individual pieces and assembling with other elements to construct the final artwork design such as mounting the above neurons into a shadow box.
Expectations
Professional and personal expectations have been exceeded in:
- The selection of the theme being resolved into 3D metal objects.
- The technology available in Lab22 that has brought my concepts and theme to reality – what is invisible is now visible.
- The team that has supported me:
> ANAT – the management and administration staff of ANAT have provided information in a timely manner as queries arose during the course of undertaking the Residency ie the blog.
> CSIRO – the staff in Lab22 and those who organised access/parking. All were/are highly professional in their field of endeavour and welcoming during every phase of the Residency.
> Hasitha Bandara – the student who has worked diligently to complete the CAD files, at times into the midnight hours.
The Most Important Learning Experiences
- When human beings collaborate all things are possible – scientists and artwork designer working towards a common goal – outcome > printed and cast works.
- Transposing leading edge manufacturing technologies ie 3D printing into artwork designs.
- For this to happen we need ‘design’ to be understood as a ‘business tool’ in all industry sectors and occupations and that we all ‘design’, every day.
- Australia has amazing creative and technical talent, that when harnessed, can compete globally.
I bring into the Residency, my experience, qualifications, research and communications across diverse industries and disciplines which I meld together – art and design + technology + research + business + and in regard to this project, health – seeing my ideas and concepts come to life in three-dimensional works.
‘Connectiveness’: Micro to Macro
Being human
Around us we see beauty, but inside us – we are even more beautiful and we don’t know it.
Meaning = ‘Connectiveness’
It is a journey of meaning, of purpose, of connectiveness – to know the very stuff that is ‘you’, ‘me’, ‘them,’ ‘us’.
We are the same, yet miraculously different.
Seeing. Knowing. Learning
‘Connectiveness’ can be harnessed in developing ideas, finding new ways to think, new ways to work towards wellness in mind and body – live smarter.
… and most especially, in times of illness whether of the body or the mind regardless of age, socio-economic status, gender, religion or ethnicity ie the elderly or the homeless such as:
> Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease
> Cancer
> Dementia
> Depression, suicide, abandonment. loneliness.
To dream and create ideas, determine solutions and take strategic risks and execute sound decisions… the brain can learn and change for each of us to become more than who we ever dreamed we
could be.
The Journey Continues…
The next stage is in taking the objects created in this Residency forward to the purpose for which they have been created is to bring that which is unseen in the human body and reveal it in the visible world with the purpose of knowing ourselves, changing ourselves and the environments in which we live, work, worship and play.
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Based on my experience over more than two decades, I have gained understanding of the nature and scope of, ‘being human’. My perspectives and capabilities are as a humanist, entrepreneur and thought leader.
I draw upon my experience, qualifications research, writing, medical laboratory science, technology, business, multidisciplinary design, archaeology and psychology in an holistic approach to meet human needs, wants and desires and, in the process, use alternative thinking to determine new ways of thinking, new ways of working to create practical and achievable solutions for the betterment of humankind.
Purpose and Meaning
Around us we see here and there beauty in waterfalls, sunsets, the bobbing heads of poppies, savour a decadent dessert through our senses, look into the eyes of a loved one, gaze on magnificence at the Uffizzi, but inside us – we are even more beautiful and we don’t know it.
My artwork designs seek to reveal the essence of ‘being human’ – regardless of age, health, nationality, gender, religion or socio-economic status.
We are the same, yet miraculously different – ‘Connectiveness’.
Opportunity Arises
Emails, more emails.
On Wednesday 1 August 2018 at 17:28 a ‘Reminder: Applications open for ANAT’s Synapse CSIRO Residency Program’ arrives. It states, ‘ANAT and CSIRO have identified three research areas that we believe have the right mix of compelling science and researchers committed to working with artists and providing the necessary level of support’.
One of the three areas held my interest 3D printing (metals), an area in which I have prior knowledge. I have researched the technology, visited facilities and consulted with key individuals particularly in regard to Manufacturing Industries. Also prior to this I was extremely interested in stereolithography, a technology out of which 3D metal printing arose (I initiated the setup of ‘The Polymer Centre’ at RMIT – VIPAC planned to relocate their stereolithography equipment to their Singapore offices – Bourne negotiated selling the stereolithography equipment to RMIT).
Marker and Paper
A ‘Thought Map’ was created to visually explore considerations as to proceeding.
> Questions abounded in regard to the Agreement, and the undertaking of the Residency.
> Rang Vicki Sowry, ANAT and spoke to her.
> Rang Dr Daniel East, CSIRO and spoke to him.
> Theme – builds on concepts and work done previously and is a recurring theme of my work, therein to gain leverage from my existing, recurring theme ie beauty and knowing what it is to ‘being human’. Knowing what constitutes our physicality – our bodies and how we work at a cellular level.
> Cells. It is also about knowing what is inside us that, in this instance, makes our brains work in wellness and ill health ie Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia.
> Source and use reference material to inspire the artwork designs, but is not a literal translation.
> Draw upon my medical laboratory experience re light and electron microscope photographs.
> Draw upon my design perspectives and experience here and overseas including conversations such as with Alberto Alessi, Alessandro Medini, Milan, Arturo Dell’Acqua Bellavitis to name a few. My definition of ‘Design is problem solving to meet human needs, wants and desires’.
> Draw upon my knowledge and experience – research+medical laboratory science+technology+art+design.
> What about current technologies photographing neurons?
> What about CAD?
> Decision. Feasible. Proceed.
An ‘Artwork Designs Map’ was generated to explore options.
Who do I know that can Help?
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING • CONTEXT
CAD
My primary computer knowledge/skills are in two-dimensional work, whereas this project requires three-dimensional CAD capabilities.
I contacted Mark Strachan a long time industrial design colleague and friend at Swinburne University, School of Design, who put me in touch with an Honours student who has just completed an internship with the CSIRO – accordingly, he is familiar with the people and technologies. Hasitha Bandara is totally supportive of my theme, ideas, concepts and reasons for undertaking the project. He has enthusiastically offered to do all my CAD work and I have commited to teach/mentor him re “being a designer” plus developing a basic Business Plan for his use.
NEURONS
Professor Ashley Bush immediately comes to mind.
Context
In 2006, I arranged a consultation with Ashley with my mother accompanying me; she had Alzheimer’s Disease which was rapidly progressing. His research/approach/treatment not only halted the progress of her disease, it actually resulted in her retrieving some memory. My beloved mother has now passed away, nonetheless, my relationship with Ashley continues – his scientific endeavours and has evolved into a highly valued friendship. He is Chief Scientific Officer for the Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health (Parkville); Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and holds several other eminent positions. Professor Bush is one of the most highly cited neuroscientists in Australia and is rated in the top 1% of neuroscience researchers worldwide for high impact citations, and classed as one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds. (Thomson Reuters)
I ring him. Over drinks he tells me of his work as Director of the new ‘Melbourne Dementia Research Centre’ (MDRC) which is a joint collaboration between the University of Melbourne and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. It has a charter to transform research in dementia.
I raise the project and my theme with him – ‘Connectiveness: Macro to Micro. Transforming the micro of human anatomy to the visible macro world’ with the artwork design forms being inspired from the brain and neurons and micro-organelles.
I asked, could he, would he provide photographs copyright free within 36 hours as the deadline for the submission loomed.
Ashley’s response, ‘Yes’. Stunning images arrived. A few images are seen in the extracts below.
Extracts: From Bourne’s ‘ANAT’s 2018 Synapse CSIRO Residency Program’ application.
Getting It In • The Response
Wrote the application. Submitted.
On 23 August 2018 at 17:12 I received an email:
Dear Carolynne
Thank you for applying to the 2018 Synapse CSIRO Residency program.
The selection panel has met to consider the applications and I am writing to let you know that your application was successful. Congratulations!
Program commences 24 September 2018
Taking Vicki’s advice, I do not even begin to think of the artwork designs until I have advice as to the outcome of my application then to visit Lab 22 to observe the 3D printers/casting and what they can produce ie metals, size, finishes and so forth. This I do.
Not able to meet with Dr Daniel East, the Residency began with data sheets being emailed to me that listed the 3D metal printing and casting equipment. A meeting with Dr Darren Fraser, Lab 22 Arcam, Senior Experimental Scientist, Deposition and Additive Structures Team, Arcam, Metal Industries Program, CSIRO Manufacturing and Andrew Urban, Senior Project Scientist at CSIRO. Cold Spray Equipment Leader. Additive Manufacturing was arranged.
Darren and Andrew outlined the information emailed by Daniel and I presented an overview of my theme and how I planned to approach the Residency.
The Plan
OBJECTIVE
To learn to the fullest extent over the 12 week timeframe about 3D printing/casting processes available in Lab 22 and applying that learning to a range of artwork designs.
STRATEGY
Generating multiple concepts from a wide range of photographs would require significant time and, in turn, generating CAD drawings from those concepts was likewise time consuming. Therein, with the objective in mind, time was a critical determinant.
The Strategic Decision was to restrict the scope of concepts into two areas drawing from my photographic collection and what I had received from the MDRC:
- Neuron Series
Select one reference photograph to develop a series of neuron-based artworks designs that used a common range of forms, but applied to a diverse range of items exploring scale.
2. Organelle Series
Select one reference to develop a related group of artwork designs – endoplasmic reticulum with and without ribosomes.
CREATING CONCEPTS
NEURON SERIES
A range of options has been explored with the following being developed to concept stage:
- Wall art Title: ‘Flash’
- Sitting art Title: ‘mRest’
- Door art Title: ‘Oerve’
- Light art Title: ‘Littup’
- Memory stick – language
- Table art
ORGANELLE SERIES
Body art Title: ‘Plasmii’
Necklace. Ring. Ear-rings
• The number of concepts and artwork designs that will be completed will be determined in consultation with the CSIRO team as to feasibility within the available technologies and timeframe.
- The ‘titles’ may changed as the project progresses.
Design • Technical Feasibility
Over the past month, I have presented each artwork design to the CSIRO team for their input.
Based on these discussions, I am refining the artwork designs to particularly accommodate the dimensions of the forms for those that are to be sand casted.
‘Dimension’ has arisen to be a key factor as it relates to flow rate of the metal for those items that are sand cast ie cooling of the metal in areas that have smaller dimensions stops the metal flowing into the total cast area.
Gary Savage, Principal Research Engineer, Casting Technology at CSIRO has suggested an alternative approach to whole form casting that seeks to address the casting/cooling/dimension problem.
Research is currently being conducted to test various approaches.
Photo: Sand cast ‘neuron’ in preparation for pouring aluminium into the mould.
Working smart
Where possible, I am sourcing component parts for some of the artwork designs such as findings.
This is part of the Strategic Approach to ‘buy’ in what the 3D printing/casting processes cannot do, or would take substantial time to resolve, therein, reducing time for production of other feasible items.
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