Fractals (2021)
3D printed cast glass sculpture series by Alexandra Hirst
Collaboration with Eric Cross
Photography: Pippy Mount
Photography: Pippy Mount
The glass vase occupies a unique place in human history as a functional object and as a significant crafted artwork. By informing the artistic process with digital technology and 3D printing, we wanted to reimagine these familiar, functional forms for the digital age. Each vase is modelled in CAD using a koch fractal algorithm - a fractal curve occurring in nature, which can be replicated by subdividing a shape into a repeating pattern of triangles. The resulting vase form is 3D printed and cast from glass to form an optical prism. The apparent distortion and manipulation of negative space within each piece is a visual conversation about how digital technology and automation alters our perception of crafted objects.