Nora Imhoff, “Digital Technologies in Traditional Craft: Blacksmithing”
Mentor: Adam Hawk, Art & Design, Arts (Peck School of the)
Poster #148
What drew me to this fellowship initially was the opportunity to learn processes most undergraduates don’t have the recourses to learn. Learning through experience is the basis of this fellowship; observing how one must develop research and proper studio practice protocols to ultimately succeed in a new body of work. As a craft-based artist, Adam asks the core question: how can we integrate traditional craft practices with new technologies? Processes such as 3d printing, laser cutting, and various other CNC methods are used to create intricate designs, which are then transformed through blacksmithing techniques. Specifically, we are focusing on integrating CNC milling and CNC Plasma operations with Blacksmithing techniques to create a modular piece. Through Adams’s instruction and my research on the CNC Mill, we have been developing an efficient workflow by first, mastering the operation of various 3-axis CNC machines and secondly by setting up post-process digital files. More recently, we have been breaking from an orthogonal profile by using the CNC plasma to quickly cut designs; We have been working through honing the machine through test cuts to measure accuracy and calibration. As Adams’s work becomes more modular, The CNC Plasma will be moving out of the research stage and into production as designs are finalized. Our greatest stride in our research has been building my proficiency in programming Adams designs as we build up to a more self-sufficient workflow. In conclusion, our working goal is to build proficiency in programming designs so Adam can manipulate objects in the forge while I program and operate the CNC machines; this efficient workflow will be vital in finishing this body of work.