Davide Prete

Statement

My latest experiments blend traditional sculptural techniques with binding jetting technology. Using toroidal warping of a truncated Scherk minimal surface shapes, I made a series of work that use 3D modeling and 3D printing as the first step for the creation of complicated mathematical shapes. My latest research uses an infiltration process on 3D printed silica sand to make larger 3D printed parts more stable and resistant. This technique can be used to create large parts (up to 4000x2000x500 mm) in one print with a material resistant to outdoor conditions.

Artworks

I used a toroidal warping of a truncated Scherk minimal surface shape to represent an hourglass and the passage of time. This giant and open sand-clock guides the viewer from the upper and lower parts to the center where the two identical and symmetrical parts are connected. I used an ExOne binder jetting printer to print it and epoxy resin to infiltrate and make more resistant the parts. Aluminum powder mixed with epoxy resin was used to finish the surface. A cold patina for aluminum increased the contrast on the surface.