Although this work of art was not created for Halloween, its timing works perfectly as the public mood is more than primed to accept all that is monstrous. Sculptor Dennis Harroun, a digital sculptor and painter, has created a piece called “Off the Wall” that is, well, exactly as described in all senses of that phrase.
“I uploaded the model and texture files to Offload Studios. With many years of experience and their Jedi print skills they are able to capture every detail that I can put into a sculpture. I always enjoy the close collaboration they offer me as an artist.”
The printing of the sculpture in 3D was not the end of the work required to bring Harroun’s vision to life. He next relied on traditional tools and techniques to add the details to the printed work. The first step was to sand the entire piece, being careful not to remove too much of the colored surface. After sanding, some of the original brightness of the color had been subdued, so Harroun airbrushed the piece with multiple clear coats in order to bring it back in line with the colors he had conjured in his mind. Finally, before preparing to mount the piece, Harroun added a two part clear, high-gloss epoxy to specific areas that needed a bit more sheen, such as the eyes and the mouths of the faces.
Attaching the print to the base was a nerve-wracking process that required great care in order to not damage the piece and the final touch was added with the brass signature and title plates that were printed through Shapeways.
The faces give any of the old-fashioned Gothic grotesques a good run for their money and I wonder what all of those old churches and cathedrals would look like if their builders had had access to technology like 3D printing and the creative vision of artists like Dennis Harroun. Discuss Harroun’s work in the 3D Printed Art forum thread on 3DPB.com