The Incredible 3D Printing Gumball Gallery Unveiled

December 24, 2014

The Incredible 3D Printing Gumball Gallery was unveiled on December 8th at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education conference Hackerspace. Heroes of 3D Printing: Designers and Artists Series #1 is the first curated set of models that showcases the work of some of the top designers and artists in the world.

The 3D Gumball Gallery plays on the notion that 3D printers are only capable of producing plastic toys. The use of a vending machine as the basis for the art installation embraces the joys of childhood. As patrons interact with the 3D Gumball Gallery they rediscover the kinesthetic sensation of the mechanical and the moment of suspense before popping open the capsule and revealing the contents. The random dispensing of models and colors asks the patron to closely examine a work other than one they would have picked for themselves. The model themselves challenge preconceived notions in their range of applications and aesthetic. Each model includes an insert that invites the patron to learn more about the artist-designer and the context of the design in the world of 3D printing. The insert links to the design file for the model and invites exploration of more of the artist-designers work. Each artist-designer collaborated in the selection of the works and the writing of the inserts. Future series will feature student designs and works created specifically for the gallery.

#3dgumballgallery by @DesignMakeTeach #vste14 #makered pic.twitter.com/kZtesH9bJb

— Sylvia LibowMartinez (@smartinez) December 8, 2014

Kacie Hultgren: PrettySmallThings
Broadway Set Designer
Miniature Queen Anne Chair
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:13391
Scale model of a Queen Anne style chair.
http://www.thingiverse.com/PrettySmallThings/about

Asher Nahmias: @Dizingof
3D Artist
Klein Bottle – Math Art
http://www.3dizingof.com
The Klein Bottle is a non-orientable object that would be difficult to create by other methods. The organic surface highlights the beauty of the form.

Laura Taalman: @mathgrrl
Mathematician & 3D Designer
Print-In-Place Fidget Cube
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:230139
Clever design allows for moving hinges in a model that prints in one piece.
http://mathgrrl.com/hacktastic/

Isaac Budmen: @ibudmen
Artist, Designer and Inventor
WORD Sculpture
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:305087
Customizable design inspired by Robert Indiana’s renowned ‘LOVE’ sculpture.
http://teambudmen.com/

Christina Chun: @ChristinaChun
Artist and 3D Designer
The Gramps
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:173037
Digital sculpture of a character model converted for 3D printing.
http://www.christinachun.com/

Fred Kahl: @fredini
Artist and 3D Printing Guru
Coney Island Kewpie Doll
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:543836
3D scan of chalkware kewpie doll prize from early 1900’s Coney Island.
http://thegreatfredini.com/

Chris Krueger: @TheNewHobbyist
3D Designer
Printable 3D Skill Badge
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:20101
Early RepRap style 3D printers were used to print parts for other 3D printers.
http://thenewhobbyist.com/

Carla Diana: @carladiana_
Designer & Author
Tiny sheep from LEO the Maker Prince (MINIATURE)
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:352137
3D printable character from her book
http://www.leothemakerprince.com/

#3DGumballGallery #selfie at #vste14 ! Love my #love inspired #vste by @ibudmen ! pic.twitter.com/FIRLihe4nk

— Nikki Jones (@mrsjones72812) December 8, 2014