There are several “advances” in the art of silversmithing that have hit the scene since I began my creative journey back in the ‘80s. Precious Metal Clay (PMC), Argentium, Vacuum Casting, Foldforming, and a whole host of pre-fab findings. Although I have held some of these at arms length in a purist-type attitude, I have made peace with most of them.
except for this one.
I am sure if I was a photographer that experienced most of my artistic joy in the darkroom I would consider the age of the digital camera with dismay.
And so it is for me with the 3D printer.
3D printing is an amazing advancement. In the movie Jurassic Park a 3D model maker creates a replica of a dinosaur neck bone that enables the main character to replicate the whistle of the animal...
yea, it is like science fiction stuff.
These model makers make anything from new product models to gears and widgets, and a variety of other things.
And now jewelry.
In a 3D CAD program you can virtually design your jewelry piece that will then “print” a model of your work that can then be made into a mold, multiple models, and then ultimately cast.
Henry Ford would be proud. But not Henri Matisse.