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Jo Fairfax’s 3D printed sculptures take cues from Jungian psychology

By in Sculpture

Jo Fairfax’s 3D printed sculptures take cues from Jungian psychology
An adventurous cerebral explorer, renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung explored the depths of the human psyche to uncover its mystery. Among his numerous accomplishments, his theory of the 12 archetypes shines brightly, shedding light on the collective unconscious that moulds our thoughts and actions. The archetypes, namely Ruler, Creator/Artist, Sage, Innocent, Explorer, Rebel, Hero, Wizard, Jester, Everyman, Lover, and Caregiver serve as ageless models woven into the fabric of our consciousness. Using Jung’s prism, we see ourselves not just as unique people but also as resonators of ancient stories, with each archetype serving as a window into our most ingrained hopes, fears, and desires. By deciphering these archetypes, we uncover the intricate web of human experience—a shared reservoir of ideas, emotions, and traits connecting us to the very essence of our humanity.

In his latest project, artist Jo Fairfax crafts sculptural interpretations of Jung’s 12 archetypes. The figures, which are mostly white with subtle colour accents, are the product of combining traditional craftsmanship with 3D printing technology. For printed components, the product designer uses bio-sourceable cornstarch. The sculptural art also skillfully combines handcrafting, putty application, intricate painting, custom decal positioning, and finishing with wax and varnish. The sculptures are on view from February 2 to March 3, 2024, as part of Somerset House’s Collect Art Fair in London.

“I wanted to feel my way through this set of 12 sculptural archetypes. I allowed my subconscious a lot of space to absorb ideas and suggest forms. I oscillated between my subconscious voice and my conscious sculptural analysis voice. I asked myself questions about each form, and what each component was adding to or subtracting from the piece. It was a weird collaboration. I love this form of collaboration,” the product designer shares. While creating this series, Fairfax let his subconscious direct the creative process by fully immersing himself in Jung’s archetypes. The next step was carefully examining the product design as an experiential object. The result is an eclectic collection of white sculptures with subtle colour pops, geometric features, and elegantly curved and linear parts. Fairfax skillfully imparts qualities into form, giving rise to a collection of minimalist sculptures imbued with a deeper meaning.

Fairfax opted for an Ender 3 V2 3D printer and utilised bio-sourceable cornstarch-based PLA to create the sculptures. The sculpture artist used Blender and Tinkercad to learn how to turn his digital ideas into physical prints. He approached the process like modelling, adding and eliminating elements when required. For Fairfax, a 3D printer is a tool that helps bring inner visions and aspirations to life, similar to a carver’s gouge. Fairfax meticulously prints each final element after being pleased with the subconscious and sculptural analysis; some elements take up to two days to produce. Before assembly, the components are methodically filed, trimmed, and sanded lastly, one to four layers of spray putty are then applied. After applying two coats of final paint and polishing the sculptures through sanding and filing, Fairfax uses Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create and add decals. The final step is adding two coats of Briwax to the sculptures.

Fairfax’s exploration of Jung’s 12 archetypes through sculptural interpretation and 3D printing technology stands as a testament to the relevance and depth of Jungian psychology in contemporary art. Themes of perception, time, and space are frequently explored in Fairfax’s work, drawing spectators into immersive encounters that straddle the line between art and technology. He creates dynamic and thought-provoking compositions using a variety of media, including light installations, kinetic sculptures, and interactive artwork. His creative approach to material selection and meticulous attention to detail showcase not only his technical proficiency but also his profound comprehension of the human psyche and its enduring narratives. Viewers are invited to go on a voyage of self-discovery where traditional wisdom meets modern technology when they interact with Fairfax’s sculptures.

Padres Pitchers Turn Photographers: Capturing Team Spirit with Dug…

By in Photography

Padres Pitchers Turn Photographers: Capturing Team Spirit with Dug…
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“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough,” echoes the spirit behind the San Diego Padres’ unique team bonding project, despite its originator, Robert Capa, having no direct ties to baseball. Padres All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove, inspired by a moment of spontaneity, introduced a Polaroid camera into the team’s dugout, transforming the squad into unwitting yet passionate documentarians. Their collection, a blend of celebration, camaraderie, and candidness, now adorns the hallway to their dugout, potentially poised for a grander exhibition.

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The Birth of a Tradition

The inception of this unconventional photography project was as serendipitous as its outcomes are unpredictable. Musgrove, drawing inspiration from an opposing player’s celebratory gesture, envisioned a unique way to capture the Padres’ triumphs and trials. With a Polaroid camera in hand, he unknowingly laid the groundwork for what would become a cherished ritual. The Padres’ pitchers, none of whom claim proficiency in photography, have become the team’s unofficial chroniclers, capturing moments that range from the euphoric to the introspective.

In the Moment: Unfiltered Joy and Spontaneity

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The essence of the Padres’ dugout photography lies not in technical perfection but in the authenticity and immediacy of the moments captured. Overexposed, blurry, or oddly tinted, each photograph carries with it the raw emotion of victory, the bond of teamwork, or the quiet reflection of individual effort. Players take turns stepping behind the camera, ensuring that the perspective remains intimately tied to the team’s collective experience. This practice has fostered a unique form of expression and celebration within the team, with players eagerly anticipating their turn to either be captured in a moment of glory or to capture it themselves.

Legacy in the Making

As the Padres navigate their season, the Polaroid project has garnered attention far beyond the confines of Petco Park. Fans have embraced the initiative, with some replicating the practice in their own celebrations. The potential for these snapshots—ranging from the celebratory to the serene—to be compiled into a coffee-table book or featured in an exhibition highlights the project’s unexpected impact. Beyond the immediate joy and team bonding it fosters, the Padres’ dugout photography project is creating a unique legacy, one Polaroid at a time.

The Padres’ experiment with dugout photography transcends the boundaries of traditional team rituals, offering a glimpse into the genuine camaraderie and dynamic spirit that fuels them. As they continue to capture moments of triumph, defeat, and everything in between, these snapshots become more than just images; they are tangible memories, tokens of a journey shared. Whether these photographs end up auctioned, compiled into a book, or simply treasured by the players themselves, their value extends beyond the moments they capture, embodying the essence of team spirit and the unpredictable beauty of the game.

‘Ensemble’ exhibition celebrates UT printmaking community

By in Printmaking

‘Ensemble’ exhibition celebrates UT printmaking community
Tucked away on the top floor of the Visual Arts Center, a display of letters unique in color and size flows across two adjacent walls, inviting viewers to follow. The characters spell “ENSEMBLE,” the exhibition title, alluding to the communal nature of printmaking. The collaborative student and faculty print media exhibition took place from Feb….
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