DIGITAL PROCESSES CLASSES

I frequently offer classes in 3D Modeling, CNC machining and other digital processes. All my classes are geared towards artists, craftspeople and creative manufacturers. Whether you are an established maker, student or hobbyist, these classes will help you learn digital processes through a craft-centered lens, with a focus on practical applications and integration with traditional manufacturing processes.

UPCOMING ONLINE CLASSES:

A screenshot of a 3d model made in Fusion 360 software of a cup mold in many parts which are color coded red, purple, teal, green, and bronze.

Example of multi-part mold assembly

Intro to 3D Modeling for Artists and Craftspeople

February 15 — March 21, 2024 (6 weeks)

An in-depth study of the capabilities of Autodesk’s Fusion360 software, geared specifically for artists, craftspeople and creative manufacturers.

UPCOMING IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS:

 

Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Refined Design: A Method for Digital Making
September 9 - 20, 2024

This workshop dives into creative possibilities at the intersection of craft, design and digital manufacturing. Students learn basic to intermediate 3D modeling using Autodesk’s Fusion360 software and explore a variety of digital manufacturing processes including CNC machining, laser cutting and 3D printing. This workshop is ideal for the maker who wants to learn to incorporate digital fabrication into their practice and for experienced 3D modelers who want to advance their production skills and explore materials. Participants develop 1 to 3 designs and bring them through several iterations of production, refining the design and manufacturing processes at each step. Wood will be a primary material, but the concepts and methodology are applicable to all 3D media. Participants may incorporate other fabrication materials such as paper, fabric and plastics.

Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

January 2 - 9, 2024

I’m very excited to be co-teaching the CAD/CAM and CNC portion of the Nine-month Comprehensive course at Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, ME. Unfortunately, this is not a workshop you can sign up for, but if you are interested in learning woodworking and furniture-making at the highest levels of craftsmanship, please check out their programs!

MORE INFO:

My philosophy towards digital processes:

I believe that digital processes hold tremendous potential for augmenting, improving, and even transforming the creative pursuits of artists and craftspeople, especially when they are used judiciously and with consideration for the impact they can have on aesthetics, work-flow, and quality of time in the studio. I’m particularly interested in helping makers holistically integrate digital processes into broad and complex studio practices that also include manual and traditional processes. There are many uses for digital tools and CAD software, including automated manufacturing, extreme precision, endless design potentialities, powerful concept visualization, and much more. Access to these technologies can bring meaningful benefits to one’s process and business, from more income, to less physical stress, to the ability to create things that are unachievable by traditional means. However, digital processes can be difficult to fit into an established creative practice, especially for those of us who don’t wish to spend our days at a computer. My goal as a teacher and consultant is to help artists and craftspeople gain access to these benefits without corrupting the aesthetic or experiential nature of their work, and to explore how the field of digital manufacturing can grow in the hands of makers with deep skill, attention, and material knowledge. Click here for more info about me.

What if you don’t have any digital manufacturing tools?

Even if you don't have (or want to use) a CNC router, 3D printer, laser-cutter or other digital fabrication equipment, there are many ways that 3D modeling software can be still be useful in your studio practice. Here are some examples:

  • Having an alternative approach to design that is more fluid than linear processes like sketching or physical model-making.

  • Deriving measurements that would be hard or impossible to calculate normally.

  • Understanding complicated design relationships without making a physical sample or full-scale drawing.

  • Precisely calculating the weight and volume of materials (extremely useful for mold-making/casting purposes)

  • Creating realistic renderings to visualize your work or show to clients.

  • Producing technical drawings.

  • Creating files that can be outsourced to a laser, water-jet or CNC vendor.