Fear Acorns, 2008, rapid prototypes
During Spring 2007 I learned how to make rapid prototypes. I made a 3D print of an acorn that I modeled in 3D Studio Max. I then modified the model in a program called Geomagic so it could be printed. I used the 3D print to make a mold so that I could cast giant acorns and embed RFID tags in them for an interactive animation I was programming in Processing called Bury Your Fears. The acorns and the mold were both cast in Polyurethane blends.
Software used: 3DStudio Max, Geomagic
Materials used: Polyurethane, plastic, RFID tags, plastic balls
Here are images of the finished acorns. Inside the acorns is a clear plastic ball with a word written on it. The word is the name of a fear. Inside the ball is an RFID tag.
finished rubber acorn
Failure Acorn
Below are some work-in-progress shots of how the two-part mold was made. I had never made a rubber cast before. Learning the process was a lot of fun and should be handy for future art pieces if I choose to work with the medium again.
the plastic acorn prototype
prototyped acorn in bottom half of mold
the bottom of the acorn mold
finished acorn mold
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