3D printed ring by Bin Dixon-Ward
Object No. 2013/111/1
This ring by contemporary Australian studio jeweller, Bin Dixon-Ward (b. 1960) was made using the techniques of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Red and orange in colour it is part of a continuum of works, which explore the shapes and patterns of the city landscape. Visually striking, this ring is made of 3D printed interlocking square shapes of different sizes, which when linked create the overall form. Dixon-Ward '... is interested in the city and the shapes and forms that makeup the urban landscape'.* The geometric shapes of city spaces have inspired the interlocking cubes of this ring. These cubes, rigid and sturdy on their own are linked and built into a range of shapes in her CAD drawings. Pushing the construction of these forms, Dixon-Ward has created towers, chains and spherical forms in her work. This ring comes from a series of three, which explores the potential of assembling and deforming this cube shape. The result of its arrangement, this ring has a tumbling quality when worn. The process of using CAD and 3D printing is significant to Dixon-Ward's work. Since 2009 she has explored the possibilities of CAD drawings and 3D printing in her practice. In these works Dixon-Ward '…explores the capacity in this technology to create fine structures that could be wearable and flexible'.** Bin Dixon-Ward is currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Art with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne. She has exhibited her work in numerous group shows since 2004 as well as three solo shows in 2012. * Katherine Bowman, 'interview with Bin Dixon-Ward', http://northcity4.com/artist-interview-bin-dixon-ward/, September 2012 ** Email correspondence with Bin Dixon-Ward, August, 2013 Rebecca Evans, Assistant Curator, 2013
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Summary
Object Statement
Ring, 3D printed SLS Nylon, designed and made by Bin Dixon-Ward, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, printed by Shapeways, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 2013
Physical Description
Red and orange SLS nylon ring consisting of a square shank with a roughly oblong shaped form on top. This form is made up of moveable interlocking squares .
DIMENSIONS
Height
78 mm
Width
40 mm
Depth
53 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
This ring is made using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a type of 3D printing. 'Selective Laser Sintering builds plastic parts or objects a layer at a time by tracing a laser beam on the surface of a tightly compacted bed of powdered thermoplastic material. Heat from the laser melts the powder and bonds it together to form a layer of the object. The entire bed of powder is moved down one layer thickness and a new layer of powder spread over the surface. The laser is then applied again to create the next layer. This process is repeated until the entire object is fabricated. After the object is fully formed the excess powder is simply brushed away and some final manual finishing may be carried out.' * Bin Dixon-Ward was first introduced to 3D printing in 2009 while studying a Bachelor Fine Arts (Gold and Silversmithing) at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.** Combined with traditional jewellery techniques, CAD drawing and 3D printing are a core part of Dixon-Ward's process. For this piece Dixon-Ward started with drawings of stacked cubes on top of each other. These drawings were then translated into Computer Aided Design drawings. In these drawings the stacked cubes were linked so that they are connected but still move independently from each other. The drawings were then sent to a 3D print service and printed as one object, made up of interlocking parts.*** Once returned from the printers the piece was finished by polishing and cleaning the surface. Finally colour is applied to the work through a combination of spraying, brushing or dripping painting onto the piece. * Angelique Hutchison, 2006/32/1 Mulching plug prototype, for Victa lawn mower ** Email correspondence with Bin Dixon-Ward, August, 2013 *** Katherine Bowman, 'interview with Bin Dixon-Ward', http://northcity4.com/artist-interview-bin-dixon-ward/, September 2012
HISTORY
Notes
This ring is part of a continuum of works by Bin Dixon-Ward, each piece informing and inspiring the next. It was shown as part of the exhibition, ' Urbanhabits' at First Site Gallery, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, 2012.* * Email correspondence with Bin Dixon-Ward, August, 2013
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased with funds from the Yasuko Myer Bequest, 2013
Acquisition Date
29 October 2013
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