FabLabs And Makerspaces For Artists
FabLabs And Makerspaces For Artists – Maker Spaces For Your Art Projects
I’m going to give you some ideas directly from my experiences as to how FabLabs and Makerspaces can help you create amazing art…
In the last few years, FabLabs and Makerspaces have exploded in numbers around the world, some even say that they are part of “The New Industrial Revolution”.
A hackerspace (also referred to as a hacklab, makerspace or hackspace) wikipedia entry
A fablab wikipedia entry
A Kid In A Candy Store
A kid in a candy store, that is what I felt like after the first few days doing an art residency at EchoFab FabLab in Montreal, Canada. I realised I could do so many things quickly and without a massive budget. Once you get to know the tools, culture and processes, you can do things that you thought were pretty much impossible! These places provide perfect resources for us artists to create artwork beyond our imaginations without breaking the bank! We are the artists of the 21st century, if we want, we can mix the traditional with the digital “tradigital”. Don’t think that these FabLabs are just for “techie” type artists, they are open to all. If there is one near you, you should visit it as soon as you can!
I have extensive experience with FabLabs and Makerspaces from two art residencies in FabLabs and regular use of FabLabs and Makerspaces for my artwork. In this post I am going to share my knowledge with you about my experiences. Remember to go to the end of the post for some links and more ideas!
What You Can Do In These Places As An Artist…
Check out this video and then go to the notes below to inspire you to make things in FabLabs and or Makerspaces…
Now that you have watched the video, below is a recap of the items that I talked about and ideas of how you can use them for your art projects. These ideas are of course only some a few “pointers” to get you started, there are so many other things you can do. It is up to you to discover and explore…
3D printer
Print 3d models made in 3d graphics applications using the 3d printer / use the 3d print you make to make a lost wax or other for casting / print a diorama made in 3d graphics quickly and on a budget for a sculpture or architecture commission proposal / scale a sculpture quickly and accurately from a 3d scan and then print out out at a lower size…
Check out my accompanying in depth blog post about 3d printing for FabLabs and Makerspaces.
Laser Cutter
Cut wood as wooden print blocks in lightning speed / cut lino prints in no time / etch onto perspex, slate and other materials / edge light your cut and etched perspex, the etched part will catch the light and appear as if lit up!…
Arduinos / Raspberry Pie / Electronic Prototyping
Make lights, sounds and movements in your artwork / make your art do things when it ‘senses’ sounds, light changes, movements etc / in general, add some life to your artwork beyond that of a static visual language…
3D Scanner
Scan your real life sculptures and then edit them in 3d graphics / print them out again as edited versions / again, scale your sculptures quickly and accurately / get a real life model into a game engine from a 3d scan and interact with the real model and game engine model using an Arduino…
CNC Milling Machine
Create a sculptural relief on a material / create moulds for casting / reproduce a sculpture by 3d scanning, then milling it without having to use moulds…
3D Graphics
Make any object you want from your imagination or a design process / 3d print the object / put the object into a game engine…
Check out my accompanying in depth blog post about 3d graphics for FabLabs and Makerspaces.
The Circular economy
Restore furniture for your art workshop / use maker tools to alter found objects for artworks / recycle scrap 3d print material and turn it into fresh 3d print filament using a special “Filament Maker”, some Fablabs have these machines / turn scrap pieces of wood or perspex for small artworks using the lasercutter or milling machine…
Make Learn Share
This is perhaps the most important factor. Make your artworks then learn from others by talking to as many people as you can and show interest in what they do at FabLabs or Makerspaces. Share what you have learned or your existing knowledge-base to others. For example, I am sharing what I have learned so far in this post your to apply in FabLabs or Makerspaces…
Check out this more in depth post about the make, learn and share idea.
The Future
As I am writing this in 2015, we can try to anticipate what the future holds for these FabLabs and Makerspaces? Will they grow and grow and as newer maker technology arrives and be the first stop shops for early adopters and curious minds? Or will they fizzle out as more people become educated in maker tools and desktop maker tools become available at a price below $200? I hope the former is more true. Whatever might happen, you should google “makers spaces in…”, or “FabLabs in …” in whatever country, state or region that you live in and get over to one now!
If this interests you and you are an artist or other creative this other blog post may interest you, it is about the future of the artist!
What You Can Do Now
If you feel inspired by the information here. I suggest that you make a mindmap like the one I quickly made in the photo below. Where each bubble is, write in “3d printer” for example. After watching and reading this post, write down some ideas that you think each particular category could help you with your art. Be imaginative and feel free to contact me if you have questions. Remember, I do a free 15 minute Skype lesson. It is no pressure, if you want more then I charge from $18 per hour. If not, I am still happy to help you out during that free time. You are also welcome to share your results here or with me on twitter – @jamesabellart .
FabLab Makerspace mindmap
Also, for more information and resources to help you get to know these FabLabs, Maker spaces and the tools mentioned in this blog post, check out –
My Maker Resource List
If you feel that the resources have helped you and you would like to donate some money to me please do. Donations help me to continue making more resources.
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