Laser Cutting Research

While looking up laser cut art, I noticed some themes in what caught my interest. One thing I found myself drawn to was sculptural and interlocking designs. One artist I found who plays with dimensional work is George W. Hart. I really like the twisting way the cut wood pieces overlap and connect.

Frabjous, 2003

Monsters, 2007

SuperFrabjous, 2010

These are just three pieces from his large collection of work. Much of his portfolio is similar in basic form, with identical interlocking pieces creating a spherical shape.

Hot Pop Factory, a collaboration between Matt Compeau and Biying Miao, is a design and fabrication firm that creates interesting colourful sculptures via laser cutting as well. 

Blush Whale, 2004

I think the use of colour and gradients in this piece are mesmerizing and inspiring. The waffle-grid, while somewhat basic, creates an interesting juxtaposition with the amorphous and organic shape of the structure as a whole.

Kinetic mechanisms are a more complicated addition to a structural design, but add an incredible amount of interest and an interactive element. A prime example of such a system can be seen in Ross McSweeney's work.

Sisyphus Automata, 2023

The attention to detail in this work is phenomenal.The body's movements looks amazing, and all the  visual details and ornementation add to the carefully crafted aesthetic. The carpentry joints are quite a smart way to ensure the pieces are well aligned for glueing, especially with a mechanism that requires such precision.

I also came across some really interesting sculptures that play with light and shadows. Anila Quayyum Agha's sculptures take advantage of their abilities as 3d objects to cast shadows in captivating ways.

This is NOT a Refuge! 2, 2019

The shadows act as a sort of extension of the piece, expanding it across the entire room and projecting the work across the walls.

Laser cutting and machine manufacturing are incredible tools with mind-blowing possibilities, and I can't wait to see more of what people are inventing and creating with it.

Here are links to the artists:

- Pete

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