Model : making

The Model : making exhibition was curated by Brian Kennedy in collaboration with Allies & Morrison in September 2013. For the London Design Festival, the Model : making exhibition looked at the increased use of new technologies by both craft-makers and architectural model makers. In both practices traditional ways of making by hand are increasingly being combined with the latest technologies of digital imaging, laser cutting, CNC machining and 3D printing. This exhibition focussed on the differing approaches by makers across the spectrum of craft disciplines and examined how new technologies are being absorbed into the everyday practice of many contemporary makers. By contrasting this approach with that of the architectural model maker we can examine different approaches to technology and see how both sides are adapting these new technologies to the aesthetic demands of their disciplines. This exhibition presented 'digital' sketches, early prototypes and finished work allowing the audience to follow the thinking and development throughout the making process. It examined the similarities and differences between the different practices and developed a visual dialogue between the works represented. Model : making afforded the viewer a unique insight into the early stages of development of an idea and a chance to see how the use of new technologies is influencing and developing the traditional craft disciplines. Neil exhibited a series of pieces exploring and disseminating the integration of craft and digital processes. The outputs included a book, a short film, as well as a series of wall hung installations. 1. Main wall hanging piece, 130 x 200 cms- Printed silk 2. Lace Effect concertina book. Hand made, digitally printed book illustrating the inspiration, methodology and techniques involved in the concept, design, production and execution of the work. The relationship between hand and digital are explored and illustrated. 3. A short film consisting of a sequence of still images, which show the journey from start to finish of the wall hanging. The hidden layers in the digital Photoshop file will be revealed one by one as the image begins to build up. Many of these layers are hand generated and this will be illustrated in the book