I have been developing different ways of making my new forms over the past month or so now by using CAD and 3D printing. It has opened up a lot of avenues for ideas I’ve had for pots. I had an idea of lessening the force taken to remove models from plaster. By splitting the model into quarters, with a central exit slug removed first. The idea worked but because of the nature of the printing, the pieces still held onto the plaster way more than I wanted.

Using the 3D printer to make models is to skip steps in the mould making process. Instead of printing the model, I would print the case, or mould of a mould. I have also printed the mould and cast a case mould in silicone. This worked well, although I had some problems with thinner sections of handles bending in the casting process.

I am trying to find a balance, of process that I’m developing. To save time, cut down on the waste of material in the model making process.

Here are some more examples of my stalactite cups in my shop. This is all really new to me and I hope that other people can glean something from the way I’ve been working. You can see more of the actual process, and smiles and frowns on my Instagram feed here.