Algebraic Surface Sculptures

These are a series of ceramic sculptures made by artist, Camila Friedman-Gerlicz, that represent algebraic surfaces, which are surfaces defined by mathematical equations in three variables. She previously made these sculptures using molds, but since working in the Hand and Machine, she has been using clay 3D printing to print the sculptures in parts and then assembling them. The forms are modeled in Rhino using Grasshopper. The models are split into parts that can be 3D printed well, and printed. Once printed, they are assembled and smoothed using traditional clay construction tools.

Years: 2022-current
Artist: Camila Friedman-Gerlicz

Planning and Modeling

The algebraic surfaces are found through research of previously studied algebraic surfaces, as well as play and discovery of new equations and surfaces. Camila uses existing 3D graphing calculators to be able to quickly visualize the forms these equations make. Once she decides to fabricate a form, she uses Grasshopper and Rhino to model the form.

Printing and Fabrication

Once the models are split into parts, they are sliced using both commercial and custom printers. They are printed using the PotterBot 3D printers. Some forms only require one or two parts, but the larger forms have been printed in up to 17 parts.

Finished Pieces