https://sarahtrahan.com Sarah Trahan Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:25:10 +0000 https://sarahtrahan.com en https://sarahtrahan.com/Home Fri, 28 Dec 2018 17:50:22 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Home Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Hidden-Intent Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:34:29 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Hidden-Intent Hidden Intention / Failure Atelier Kunsthal Aarhus, 2026 <img width="2365" height="3543" width_o="2365" height_o="3543" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fe9906d97ea71aa44232130ab803f31a4d75fa8b779f98ee9f259465d5d1de76/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1274_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253379632" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fe9906d97ea71aa44232130ab803f31a4d75fa8b779f98ee9f259465d5d1de76/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1274_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="2365" height="3543" width_o="2365" height_o="3543" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e034d7ddc8bc5e909c4a13a74b8284c1594b7d70ea28eebe1c5146a3a61839c4/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1285_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253380549" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e034d7ddc8bc5e909c4a13a74b8284c1594b7d70ea28eebe1c5146a3a61839c4/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1285_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2362" width_o="3543" height_o="2362" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6f43db6c1c7495a40d0b28226df1b1d6ad94927927a48e760d31681a224c981a/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1264_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253380556" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6f43db6c1c7495a40d0b28226df1b1d6ad94927927a48e760d31681a224c981a/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1264_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2365" width_o="3543" height_o="2365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2fb7565b7dd5096ab1ec9d2c284b8c39f03627a57ad8cf545bdb6c482c620578/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1267_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253379705" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2fb7565b7dd5096ab1ec9d2c284b8c39f03627a57ad8cf545bdb6c482c620578/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1267_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2362" width_o="3543" height_o="2362" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ed5965794c4ff99dfe7c7f897f030067c327a8be03e3483f017ed53ca55e4489/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1209_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253379711" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ed5965794c4ff99dfe7c7f897f030067c327a8be03e3483f017ed53ca55e4489/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1209_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2365" width_o="3543" height_o="2365" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ac17921ae5e80e9861346cd5f0fcd3c7a7f59641ec7905190eeb5e2274f799c7/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1206_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253381005" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ac17921ae5e80e9861346cd5f0fcd3c7a7f59641ec7905190eeb5e2274f799c7/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1206_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2362" width_o="3543" height_o="2362" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d195070e6538ee509b8d25d807ae4733c888f06f1f6ef682dcfff2f19f1b7c24/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1272_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253381001" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d195070e6538ee509b8d25d807ae4733c888f06f1f6ef682dcfff2f19f1b7c24/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1272_sRGB_web.jpg" /> <img width="3543" height="2362" width_o="3543" height_o="2362" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/05ad94d1b080557bdef30388df72faa2183b79726fcb094d69c3902475855bdc/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1281_sRGB_web.jpg" data-mid="253380967" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/05ad94d1b080557bdef30388df72faa2183b79726fcb094d69c3902475855bdc/The-Hall-of-Failure_Kunsthal-Aarhus_2026_photo-Jacob-Friis-Holm-Nielsen_JFH1281_sRGB_web.jpg" />All exhibition images&nbsp;© Jacob Friis-Holm Neilsen. Hidden Intention / Failure Atelier What happens when an artist deliberately designs a process to fail? My contribution to The Hall of Failure takes two related forms: Hidden Intention, a body of ceramic sculptures, and Failure Atelier, a live ceramics workshop program running within the show. Both are built around the same question and the same process. Hidden Intention begins in the studio. I make ceramic sculptures through 3D printing with clay, a process I choose for its sometimes unpredictable outcomes. The printer and software are fixed systems, while the clay is wet, heavy, soft, and follows its own logic — responding always to pressure, moisture, and gravity. I make design choices that encourage this unstable machine-material relationship. During printing, the clay slumps and shifts, creating forms I can’t predict; I don’t see this as a probelm to fix but instead as the engine that drives the work. The sculptures in this exhibition are the result of engineered unpredictability, where failure becomes a collaborator rather than something to avoid. The work questions our ideas of craftsmanship. As digital tools become increasingly common in creative and professional life, what does it mean to make something when you don't want to optimize, systematize and control every outcome? What becomes possible when you share that control with a material and a machine? Where Hidden Intention presents the results of this process, Failure Atelier opens it up to the public. A working reproduction of my studio is installed within the show, where visitors are invited to make their own clay sculptures using the same tools and processes as the artworks on display. The process is designed so that unpredictability and failure aren't obstacles but the point of the process. To join there’s no experience necessary, and no artistic pressure. Objects made in the Atelier are added to the exhibition throughout its six-month run, making the show a living, growing collection of experiments. Together, Hidden Intention and Failure Atelier propose that failure is not the opposite of making something well. It’s where the interesting things happen. Currently on view through December 2026 as a part of The Hall of Failure&nbsp; exhibition at Kunsthal Aarhus, DK. Shown alsongside work from artists Anders Bonnesen, Maria Viftrup and&nbsp;FACTORY WORKERS UNITE (Tina Helen and Søren Thilo Funder). This project was supported in part by Aarhus Kommune Kulturforvaltningen and Kunsthal Aarhus. + Exhibition review at Artmatter.dk <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1bc809a4f5ed4fff75962431b2b43fb4684fe6d38435de022e76a905e4c9cb50/MetalRoundVase.jpg" data-mid="253379734" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/1bc809a4f5ed4fff75962431b2b43fb4684fe6d38435de022e76a905e4c9cb50/MetalRoundVase.jpg" /> Reindeer Jar, 2026. 3D printed mixed clay, glaze. 18.5 x 18.5 x 50 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/080d704b673fe2790fab1b9b78a7bda905274105e85edee745db98a88d836b22/MetalRoundVase_04.jpg" data-mid="253379739" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/080d704b673fe2790fab1b9b78a7bda905274105e85edee745db98a88d836b22/MetalRoundVase_04.jpg" /> Detail. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5bbe815fea8e7415993cb0b8c5f09f75accaae0712d4bda2df8fb191b013d87a/MetalRoundVase_03.jpg" data-mid="253379741" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/5bbe815fea8e7415993cb0b8c5f09f75accaae0712d4bda2df8fb191b013d87a/MetalRoundVase_03.jpg" /> Detail. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cd6f1aea05d15d1bb752f55cf23d09b202c25e532798b87cb4fdfad2ed3d1df8/SmallBottle.jpg" data-mid="253379760" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/cd6f1aea05d15d1bb752f55cf23d09b202c25e532798b87cb4fdfad2ed3d1df8/SmallBottle.jpg" />Small Bottle, 2026. 3D printed stoneware clay.&nbsp;17 x 17 x 51 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/68963135e580daaf0e5edd0c37e6a3368eeac45c5dec4648ff4d72495cecc29e/SmallBottle_02.jpg" data-mid="253379759" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/68963135e580daaf0e5edd0c37e6a3368eeac45c5dec4648ff4d72495cecc29e/SmallBottle_02.jpg" /> Detail. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1b59718b5617e8f274ab8e41ae91a4b7e28ac2cf715d53e1ddabe670344d27e3/WASPbottleL.jpg" data-mid="253379786" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/1b59718b5617e8f274ab8e41ae91a4b7e28ac2cf715d53e1ddabe670344d27e3/WASPbottleL.jpg" />Loop Bottle (L), 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay. 19 x 19 x 47 cm.&nbsp; <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/90b1dfea7fc261723a748eae98aa1963eecb63ad37b779f586656b61b4982d48/Ewer_02.jpg" data-mid="253379801" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/90b1dfea7fc261723a748eae98aa1963eecb63ad37b779f586656b61b4982d48/Ewer_02.jpg" />Scribble Ewer, 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay. 19 x 24 x 48 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c0db6ad05ec4e3a95fb1da13ca83ce6813c64ea0e9b098b9cd8176034905f12f/NestVase.jpg" data-mid="253379795" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/c0db6ad05ec4e3a95fb1da13ca83ce6813c64ea0e9b098b9cd8176034905f12f/NestVase.jpg" />Bird’s Nest Vase, 2026. 3D printed red clay, wax, oil, mineral pigment. 17 x 18 x 30 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c5c8e2f9618783272acc058718894c380b82589e18aa8e3ae66c70fe4fc4b4f/DoubleAmph.jpg" data-mid="253379814" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/8c5c8e2f9618783272acc058718894c380b82589e18aa8e3ae66c70fe4fc4b4f/DoubleAmph.jpg" />Double Amphora, 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay. 26 x 26 x 44 cm. (in private collection) <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8f390af532cfa6619614e35c601e84e66e2c203d50a752092302265665686334/Rie_01.jpg" data-mid="253379832" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/8f390af532cfa6619614e35c601e84e66e2c203d50a752092302265665686334/Rie_01.jpg" />Rie Vase, 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay. 17 x 17 x 59 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bce616847caf3a3342712be2fb8a47bfa8e4f832ee18c5a86375b14d0da46fd3/RoundVase_02.jpg" data-mid="253379838" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/bce616847caf3a3342712be2fb8a47bfa8e4f832ee18c5a86375b14d0da46fd3/RoundVase_02.jpg" />Rabbit Ear Jar, 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted stoneware clay, resin, gold leaf. 18.5 x 18.5 x 45 cm. (in private collection) <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bd62c425dbfea8efdaa249d82bd84502f9841e017814f765dac3de6236ad7bcd/LoopyVase_duo.jpg" data-mid="253380052" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/bd62c425dbfea8efdaa249d82bd84502f9841e017814f765dac3de6236ad7bcd/LoopyVase_duo.jpg" />Loopy Vase with handles 01 and 02, 2026. 3D printed mixed clay. 14 x 19 x 42 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/71fa9205caf75f68cd75e97275cc74acb8a14ef8d4662ddc099fa6e96f1f0409/HandleVase2_01.jpg" data-mid="253380027" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/71fa9205caf75f68cd75e97275cc74acb8a14ef8d4662ddc099fa6e96f1f0409/HandleVase2_01.jpg" />Bottomless Vase with handles, 2026. 3D printed red clay, wax. 40 x 35 x 38 cm. (in private collection) <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c3e7eef3043241141cbf8901bb9a3f9205c45e474b561a9b62c1c69cad7ff80a/Lantern.jpg" data-mid="253380033" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/c3e7eef3043241141cbf8901bb9a3f9205c45e474b561a9b62c1c69cad7ff80a/Lantern.jpg" />Lantern, 2026. 3D printed mixed clay. 18 x 18 x 27 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a4b12a9d47ec185da591880e870ef8f902e2e9e1b37cdc9966e8af7183f480c/WASPbottleM_01.jpg" data-mid="253380034" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/3a4b12a9d47ec185da591880e870ef8f902e2e9e1b37cdc9966e8af7183f480c/WASPbottleM_01.jpg" />Loop Bottle (M), 2026. 3D printed mixed clay, wax, oil, mineral pigment. 20 x 22 x 32 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dec1fb8e2ec79377395b6dfb3761782408d7dff3d9a3990364af0ff4ed273c00/M_02.jpg" data-mid="253380053" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/dec1fb8e2ec79377395b6dfb3761782408d7dff3d9a3990364af0ff4ed273c00/M_02.jpg" />Mug, 2026. 3D printed and hand sculpted red clay glaze. 16 x 14 x 9 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ec92996e9576320e08e1a9079f972a15573022fa25b93a9bcbeef7a00d1bd827/M.jpg" data-mid="253380054" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/ec92996e9576320e08e1a9079f972a15573022fa25b93a9bcbeef7a00d1bd827/M.jpg" /> Detail. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cedc3623cefc649a79418ae4f7e3b0351601ffa09111be8e827da281834de916/P.jpg" data-mid="253380057" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/cedc3623cefc649a79418ae4f7e3b0351601ffa09111be8e827da281834de916/P.jpg" />Pitcher, 2026. 3D printed and hand sculpted red clay, glaze. 16 x 14 x 16 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0ca01129557f4c0edd1411d31b14d334b7af0715c9f46658b163ca942103751e/LanternVase.jpg" data-mid="253381161" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/0ca01129557f4c0edd1411d31b14d334b7af0715c9f46658b163ca942103751e/LanternVase.jpg" />Lantern Vase, 2026. 3D printed stoneware clay, glaze.&nbsp;19 x 19 x 39 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fda90f2f6527d3b5dcff46a2b16d225cd3ba87b8e9319cf63a10c27b59578267/LoopBottle_03.jpg" data-mid="253381197" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/fda90f2f6527d3b5dcff46a2b16d225cd3ba87b8e9319cf63a10c27b59578267/LoopBottle_03.jpg" />Loop Bottle (S), 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted stoneware, resin, gold.&nbsp; <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e8ea708b0b6aba93c0dfdded7459284fb6032c36a6b4f949ab9f68d72c71b5f6/Bowl.jpg" data-mid="253381214" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/e8ea708b0b6aba93c0dfdded7459284fb6032c36a6b4f949ab9f68d72c71b5f6/Bowl.jpg" />Draped bowl, 2026. 3D printed red clay.&nbsp;14 x 18 x 9 cm. https://sarahtrahan.com/Generations Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:04:59 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Generations Generations : interpreting Iron Age ceramics digital ceramics, 2025 <img width="2000" height="1085" width_o="2000" height_o="1085" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9546f3f6eef812859f2ad947803d3246f93e74ab481720436f643bd38b9979a9/Set_f.jpg" data-mid="245066366" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9546f3f6eef812859f2ad947803d3246f93e74ab481720436f643bd38b9979a9/Set_f.jpg" /> 3D-printed and hand sculpted earthenware, mineral pigment, wax, twine. <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0e85725e85343e91a2d8002e5e6fb6dd6dbc5397a2026c5803935843070b07f1/Duo_01.jpg" data-mid="243573188" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0e85725e85343e91a2d8002e5e6fb6dd6dbc5397a2026c5803935843070b07f1/Duo_01.jpg" />Mug vase and Window jar, 2025.&nbsp;3D printed and hand sculpted earthenware, wax and mineral pigment. 15 x 15 x 35 cm and 18 x 18 x 20 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/40679f53cce63f68109a68368dd3ddaae7d3decd1345b2ada616f76f021747d7/GenV2_windowPot2.jpg" data-mid="253381374" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/40679f53cce63f68109a68368dd3ddaae7d3decd1345b2ada616f76f021747d7/GenV2_windowPot2.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4868e293b9169cdf718d6d3c0a1c8bb01793a3a36651f6ec569f7e0f1895caab/GenV2_pots.jpg" data-mid="253381367" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/4868e293b9169cdf718d6d3c0a1c8bb01793a3a36651f6ec569f7e0f1895caab/GenV2_pots.jpg" />Ear urns, 2025. 3D printed and hand sculpted earthenware, wax and mineral pigment. 20 x 20 x 26 cm and 19 x 19 x 24 cm. <img width="600" height="832" width_o="600" height_o="832" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/87dae2a9f3d7cc360e6a7457fb263b0fa3bc029cd64996e66244cd1f55797558/Detail_02.jpg" data-mid="243570510" border="0" data-scale="96" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/87dae2a9f3d7cc360e6a7457fb263b0fa3bc029cd64996e66244cd1f55797558/Detail_02.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="600" width_o="800" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8b3a18dd13e06a3efd89d30d7c9fc1a676139d79e0f6d69ef8de8e028a946a52/GenV2_scribblepots.jpg" data-mid="253381369" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/8b3a18dd13e06a3efd89d30d7c9fc1a676139d79e0f6d69ef8de8e028a946a52/GenV2_scribblepots.jpg" /> Wavy jars, 2025. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay, glaze, wax, mineral pigment, twine. 20 x 19 x 24 cm and 16 x 15 x 18 cm. <img width="800" height="600" width_o="800" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/58c7b2e67b0ec4bb86ef0775f503701c04501768d1ced50f831ea6c8325be97e/GenV2_jars.jpg" data-mid="253381365" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/58c7b2e67b0ec4bb86ef0775f503701c04501768d1ced50f831ea6c8325be97e/GenV2_jars.jpg" /> Fracture pots, 2025.&nbsp;3D printed and hand-sculpted black clay, glaze.&nbsp;16 x 17 x 23 cm and&nbsp;20 x 20 x 26 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ad9516fc3b681d118ed0e926da9e09e03c38bbf9cc4d7f73dfbc418aeafd7d98/GenV2_fracpot_det1.jpg" data-mid="253381362" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/ad9516fc3b681d118ed0e926da9e09e03c38bbf9cc4d7f73dfbc418aeafd7d98/GenV2_fracpot_det1.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/814df4fc9d61f43d7030ca857fb2adc5c38d99d53604fa51e441f243efb551b1/GenV2_smalljar.jpg" data-mid="253381372" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/814df4fc9d61f43d7030ca857fb2adc5c38d99d53604fa51e441f243efb551b1/GenV2_smalljar.jpg" />Pocket Jar, 2025. 3D printed and hand-sculpted mixed clay, wax, mineral pigment, twine. 12 x 12 x 11 cm. <img width="1800" height="1200" width_o="1800" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a238fa54c20724f875fadd00472e4b2161732aaf3ed05102ed9548b84cfb8aed/GenV2_jugs.jpg" data-mid="253381366" border="0" data-scale="98" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a238fa54c20724f875fadd00472e4b2161732aaf3ed05102ed9548b84cfb8aed/GenV2_jugs.jpg" />Standing jugs, 2025 - 2026. 3D printed and hand-sculpted red clay, glaze, wax. 22 x 20 x 38 cm each. (far right version in private collection) <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ae80ef3270634ed5fbf4bba31b2dc44d43ef8f42ce85980e74b2dc463e001a19/ThorvaldsensJar_02.jpg" data-mid="253381312" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/ae80ef3270634ed5fbf4bba31b2dc44d43ef8f42ce85980e74b2dc463e001a19/ThorvaldsensJar_02.jpg" /> Generations reinterprets a set of Danish Iron Age clay vessels (500 BC–400 AD) from Horsens Museum's collection as new ceramic sculptures. The ancient pots look plain at first, but they were used for everything from cooking to burial rituals. Many were found in excavations at sites like Hedegård, as well as in farmers' fields and construction sites around Horsens municipality. I'm not trying to recreate these historical pots. I’m interested in what new forms can come from treating historical designs as raw material for contemporary ones. My process brings together four kinds of artifacts: historical (the museum pots), digital (3D models), machine (the clay 3D printer), and human (my own hand). The digital models come from two places: photogrammetry, which rebuilds a vessel as a 3D model from photographs of the original, and generative modeling tools that produce invented forms from written descriptions. The AI generated forms are a starting point for my design process, providing visual prompts that I can choose to incorporate or push back against depending on what I think the design of the object calls for. The work resulted in a set of sculptural ceramics, each one made by taking a reconstructed or invented form and reworking it: adjusting proportions, combining elements from different pots, reworking a surface. The finished vessels carry traces of both the real and the invented, reading as ancient and futuristic at the same time. Working this way has helped me connect to the past, making craft history something I can participate in rather than just observe. Special thanks to ceramicist Anna Andersen and Horsens Museum for their support and collaboration on this project. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3896974c68aa54ac1cf656527b3e56c323ae7f42e89ef6e9033cc7cd0c9d6db5/Anna1.jpg" data-mid="250472043" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/3896974c68aa54ac1cf656527b3e56c323ae7f42e89ef6e9033cc7cd0c9d6db5/Anna1.jpg" /> Fetching artifacts from the archives.&nbsp; <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2877371088477df6295146164b52cf6593e081ba4ac2c7ec461e44861e9fd308/Anna2.jpg" data-mid="250472044" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/2877371088477df6295146164b52cf6593e081ba4ac2c7ec461e44861e9fd308/Anna2.jpg" />Photographing artifacts at the museum’s offices. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c15da573ef948634e9248b815963c7a947aee946fb6903d1d076e8cc6bdc9349/Jug_Fragment01_2jpg.jpg" data-mid="244320901" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/c15da573ef948634e9248b815963c7a947aee946fb6903d1d076e8cc6bdc9349/Jug_Fragment01_2jpg.jpg" /> Iron Age clay jug fragment, from the collection at Horsens Museum.&nbsp; <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1b349aad93704aaf8593f811b8344442e71a3e8bda4f0fcd6db69f8bc0b2bb05/Flask2.jpg" data-mid="244321334" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/1b349aad93704aaf8593f811b8344442e71a3e8bda4f0fcd6db69f8bc0b2bb05/Flask2.jpg" /> Iron Age clay flask,&nbsp;, from the collection at Horsens Museum. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ffa08a7d52dbe4eb0c9b7801c73abf1de881d6d93779a2e5d81ee03ec6c03080/Duo2_2.jpg" data-mid="244320899" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/ffa08a7d52dbe4eb0c9b7801c73abf1de881d6d93779a2e5d81ee03ec6c03080/Duo2_2.jpg" /> Iron Age clay pots, from the collection at Horsens Museum. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3d6b69a6edff64749779f30aa232f63bd06be42ad5495f52d84fffc836006c0a/Jar_01.jpg" data-mid="244320878" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/3d6b69a6edff64749779f30aa232f63bd06be42ad5495f52d84fffc836006c0a/Jar_01.jpg" /> Iron Age clay jug, from the collection at Horsens Museum. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/34052896d722974f86fc6e7465b4d0ea68bb84f0b99c2837f1614c9aa9f9f4f9/Beaker.jpg" data-mid="243573416" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/34052896d722974f86fc6e7465b4d0ea68bb84f0b99c2837f1614c9aa9f9f4f9/Beaker.jpg" /> Iron Age pot, excavated in Horsens, DK. <img width="505" height="505" width_o="505" height_o="505" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/755237a726280bfd765aad1661f693f0b5ba0e90c4c3ba32959b3d28aee42355/Pot.gif" data-mid="243570772" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/505/i/755237a726280bfd765aad1661f693f0b5ba0e90c4c3ba32959b3d28aee42355/Pot.gif" /> AI-generated 3D model, made using photographs of the pot. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2bf3c68c7c34da2bfc5552e6570d2fef79a2cfda536bf57a2272a825322ed479/Single_02.jpg" data-mid="243570684" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/2bf3c68c7c34da2bfc5552e6570d2fef79a2cfda536bf57a2272a825322ed479/Single_02.jpg" />Fracture pot;&nbsp;3D-printed and hand sculpted earthenware. 20 x 20 x 26 cm. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e906325a351007f4eba00af18a709931582f8819c2a0c2b4376345746d7553d7/Hedegaard_02.jpg" data-mid="239706154" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/e906325a351007f4eba00af18a709931582f8819c2a0c2b4376345746d7553d7/Hedegaard_02.jpg" />Iron Age pot, excavated in Horsens, DK. <img width="505" height="505" width_o="505" height_o="505" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/466dd2814b36f941835b78368d29508c322f21871bf44c2ab75880c80a12afc9/AI_pot.gif" data-mid="239709923" border="0" data-scale="99" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/505/i/466dd2814b36f941835b78368d29508c322f21871bf44c2ab75880c80a12afc9/AI_pot.gif" /> AI-generated 3D model of a “Danish Iron Age pot excavated in Horsens, Denmark.” <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/77b383b7c981500d076099b13f6102f351070cb1ebc065b95386dd849f7e7adc/Single_01.jpg" data-mid="243570702" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/77b383b7c981500d076099b13f6102f351070cb1ebc065b95386dd849f7e7adc/Single_01.jpg" /> Window jar; 3D-printed and hand sculpted earthenware, wax. 18 x 18 x 20 cm. https://sarahtrahan.com/Glass Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:25:10 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Glass Glass, Clay, Gen AI collaborative experiments, 2025 - <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a61b0cb7954e06b8a3ea577ebd1563362d2f0bb5107a4ddcfe2f34dbb35deea/Glass_02.jpg" data-mid="253386087" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/3a61b0cb7954e06b8a3ea577ebd1563362d2f0bb5107a4ddcfe2f34dbb35deea/Glass_02.jpg" />Sculptures by artist Marie Retpen. Blown glass with internal silvering and clay occlusions. 14 x 24 x 10 cm and 9 x 11 x 20 cm.&nbsp; <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c47e2d2294e754bb60cd72c4ba4ec37fe57a378685456a01f0b659e8843870e2/Glass_01.jpg" data-mid="253386085" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/c47e2d2294e754bb60cd72c4ba4ec37fe57a378685456a01f0b659e8843870e2/Glass_01.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/18f11317322c45e7768f37d20604b924d9163778ba8ded82391a5da1719fcf05/Glass_05.jpg" data-mid="253386340" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/18f11317322c45e7768f37d20604b924d9163778ba8ded82391a5da1719fcf05/Glass_05.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/70910f646ce1383881a26c9c4e202414e83fe41dfad0d269c9287068dce81820/Glass_03.jpg" data-mid="253386174" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/70910f646ce1383881a26c9c4e202414e83fe41dfad0d269c9287068dce81820/Glass_03.jpg" /> Detail with clay occlusions. <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/265d76d15391a66ab1dee784c45b9d3c4db7865ed828f79728cf670c024a518b/Glass_04.jpg" data-mid="253386176" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/265d76d15391a66ab1dee784c45b9d3c4db7865ed828f79728cf670c024a518b/Glass_04.jpg" /> Detail with visible impressions from the 3D printed clay mould. In 2025 I joined a collaborative project started by ceramicist Anna Andersen and glass artist Marie Retpen, who were experimenting with making moulds for glassblowing out of 3D printed clay. Anna and I were commissioned by Marie to fabricate 3D printed clay moulds for use in her sculptural work, for a permanent public installation and a 2026 exhibition in Bornholm, Denmark.&nbsp; <img width="1067" height="800" width_o="1067" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6e7c6c3cac16889ea83d79765aca04d4d81b0ee5887d58c144ad739ade7ac321/Test_01.jpg" data-mid="253396377" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6e7c6c3cac16889ea83d79765aca04d4d81b0ee5887d58c144ad739ade7ac321/Test_01.jpg" /> Test of form and process with clay mould designed by Anna Andersen. <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8e2508315fd4330cb875a64863130ca4367a5a1b25fcd8c971e35c029c6789db/Tests_02.jpg" data-mid="253396237" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8e2508315fd4330cb875a64863130ca4367a5a1b25fcd8c971e35c029c6789db/Tests_02.jpg" /> First set of tests of 3D printed clay moulds. Building on my use of generative AI as a design tool in my project A pot, Marie and I worked with a text-to-3d model generator to create forms that I could use as starting points in my design process. The objects we were looking to create for Marie aligned with my usual approach to making objects: combining past/future, organic/digital, familiar yet also uncanny.&nbsp; <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a845f508e55cdb09e2e882823864df283763fca4ca1d6a1b4fcc5d477621bc08/Inspo.jpg" data-mid="253387625" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/a845f508e55cdb09e2e882823864df283763fca4ca1d6a1b4fcc5d477621bc08/Inspo.jpg" />Design inspiration for the moulds came from geological forms made over long spans of time, like these fossils and sandstone concretions.&nbsp; <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9c877f8cb7309dc2fd9fc10d6f2b3c9548fdf4696d58ed216f7832087f756656/Sample.jpg" data-mid="253387778" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/9c877f8cb7309dc2fd9fc10d6f2b3c9548fdf4696d58ed216f7832087f756656/Sample.jpg" /> A first test asking a generative AI system to make a 3D model of “an organic bone-like fossil that has the texture of tree bark.” <img width="607" height="607" width_o="607" height_o="607" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/46a127c3b8bf54c5cb2b80d852cea405d0b58c6474bf4428e4f4cfacd0130c3c/SP_03_V2.gif" data-mid="253388814" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/607/i/46a127c3b8bf54c5cb2b80d852cea405d0b58c6474bf4428e4f4cfacd0130c3c/SP_03_V2.gif" /> Specimen 01, a 3D model for printing in clay that incorporates some design aspects from gen AI results. <img width="607" height="607" width_o="607" height_o="607" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/179689c577039fd196b1d9bcb4897b0945f714430216dfb10dfe524868363576/SP_04_V3.gif" data-mid="253388992" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/607/i/179689c577039fd196b1d9bcb4897b0945f714430216dfb10dfe524868363576/SP_04_V3.gif" />Specimen 04. <img width="607" height="607" width_o="607" height_o="607" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/327b6bf1107996eb3c98a344089beab4b6af40d6d992567ae32bad46bc596e33/SP_01_V2.gif" data-mid="253389107" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/607/i/327b6bf1107996eb3c98a344089beab4b6af40d6d992567ae32bad46bc596e33/SP_01_V2.gif" />Specimen 06. After some intitial tests of prototype moulds, I 3D printed a final set of hollow forms in recycled clay leftover from my studio practice, using my self-built clay printer and a larger WASP 2040 Clay. The clay 3D prints were then bisque fired and brought to a hot shop where they were used as moulds for Marie’s blown glass. The process destroys the clay object, but pieces of clay can sometimes stay embedded in the blown glass, adding an unexpected, tactile dimension to the surface.&nbsp;While our experiments are still ongoing, some of Marie’s resulting blown glass works from our collaboration can be seen on permanent display in Middelfart Public Hospital, in Middelfart, DK.&nbsp; <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/08d81a56a17f76bb5df7e2c4f736c0de18eaf7d8c1fe9cf97ff8a12c3a862175/moulds_01.jpg" data-mid="253397977" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/08d81a56a17f76bb5df7e2c4f736c0de18eaf7d8c1fe9cf97ff8a12c3a862175/moulds_01.jpg" /> 3D printed clay moulds, unfired recycled clay. <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c17a356bdf9c7ac71680fb6150594097d34c9e378dacae6703d19c6be2017525/moulds_02.jpg" data-mid="253397979" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/c17a356bdf9c7ac71680fb6150594097d34c9e378dacae6703d19c6be2017525/moulds_02.jpg" />3D printed clay mould, unfired recycled clay. <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f8724aebf9172288c7538c1ae53eb8ed76b648756aa02c8bb8e540c39bce34e2/Prep.jpg" data-mid="253398029" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/f8724aebf9172288c7538c1ae53eb8ed76b648756aa02c8bb8e540c39bce34e2/Prep.jpg" /> Clay mould in sand ready for hot glass. <img width="300" height="400" width_o="300" height_o="400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/caf1fbf0a75bf7885951480c065798fe25793c4bc794f54c472f6e06ca104d11/Shop_Clip_02-ezgif.com-crop.gif" data-mid="253398213" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/300/i/caf1fbf0a75bf7885951480c065798fe25793c4bc794f54c472f6e06ca104d11/Shop_Clip_02-ezgif.com-crop.gif" /> Releasing the glass from the mould. <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6ea9e559aa4c5b2b6cfee568637a6c8f49e79bee2b9043416904db4a90ac4e69/shop_03.jpg" data-mid="253398285" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/6ea9e559aa4c5b2b6cfee568637a6c8f49e79bee2b9043416904db4a90ac4e69/shop_03.jpg" />In the workshop. <img width="800" height="1067" width_o="800" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2dc27ecd6e44789235f506c5a94a7e94c5252c705f4a0999737eafb183b4e3f6/shop_04.jpg" data-mid="253398291" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/2dc27ecd6e44789235f506c5a94a7e94c5252c705f4a0999737eafb183b4e3f6/shop_04.jpg" /> https://sarahtrahan.com/A-pot Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:18:24 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/A-pot A pot&nbsp;: experiments with clay + gen AI digital ceramics, 2024 - 2025 <img width="2000" height="1255" width_o="2000" height_o="1255" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/96ab036adf66e8da8befb40f958984e63abb244d39eec220f0ccb140b90a7a76/Trio_corrected.jpg" data-mid="245071624" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/96ab036adf66e8da8befb40f958984e63abb244d39eec220f0ccb140b90a7a76/Trio_corrected.jpg" /> 3D-printed and hand sculpted red clay, various dimensions (largest is 35 x 30 x 40 cm). <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/12c8bb4f06c00da40c479f7f3e282f018854ac8c51403f8c8b0a8c1b28b5c2ea/03.jpg" data-mid="243373891" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/12c8bb4f06c00da40c479f7f3e282f018854ac8c51403f8c8b0a8c1b28b5c2ea/03.jpg" /> A pot with handles, 3D-printed and hand sculpted red clay. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c4b88d707d2408ab8916cb638369e02d2703b65e0a739fb3a60e2dab23d8b295/01.jpg" data-mid="243373454" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/c4b88d707d2408ab8916cb638369e02d2703b65e0a739fb3a60e2dab23d8b295/01.jpg" /> Vase with necks, 3D-printed and hand sculpted red clay. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dc3537895a1b201b3fa0d5cb0642e0409ed34674f06216d3f419a041a1f5555c/02.jpg" data-mid="243373456" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/dc3537895a1b201b3fa0d5cb0642e0409ed34674f06216d3f419a041a1f5555c/02.jpg" /> Double Amphora, 3D-printed and hand sculpted red clay. <img width="2000" height="1333" width_o="2000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8cdaeeff20fd17110e5f5114600bd2120fc0a475a7037a6bb33a36a72d878c91/01_detail.jpg" data-mid="243376043" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8cdaeeff20fd17110e5f5114600bd2120fc0a475a7037a6bb33a36a72d878c91/01_detail.jpg" /> A pot is a collaborative project with ceramicist Anna Andersen that uses generative AI as a design tool in ceramic practice. We wanted to know whether AI could add something to our process without undermining the hands-on, material qualities that define ceramics, and what AI tools could actually produce for something as specific and physical as a pot. We began this project hoping adding generative AI tools into our belts would expand the way we make design choices, in form and in process. In this work we treat AI as a support tool, not a replacement for human creativity or craftsmanship. In the studio, we generated and evaluated hundreds of outputs from two early open-source text-to-3D generators, point-E and shap-E, keeping the forms we saw potential in. The tools were imprecise and inaccurate, but that helped more than it hurt. What came back was often far from what either of us would have sketched or modeled, and that distance added to the process; the rough output from the AI tools left room for us to design on top of it, or alongside it, and sometimes despite it. Each sketch (a 3D model) became a starting point that we altered, remixed, and interpreted through our own design sensibilities and understanding of clay. We then translated digital to physical in the workshop, through a combination of clay 3D printing and hand sculpting. The project produced a series of pots, but its more lasting result was a way of working; a studio process that folds generative AI into ceramic practice, which we've since carried into other projects. Our making stayed where it always was, in our hands, with AI acting as a generative starting point we could creatively push against. A pot has recieved development support from Nationalbankens Jubilaeumsfond. <img width="607" height="607" width_o="607" height_o="607" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0a7e09ffa05b1f8f65be1c18d74b7adc4610b13137b109d6fd2157e4a6d2f63d/3dgifmaker54633.gif" data-mid="243375981" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/607/i/0a7e09ffa05b1f8f65be1c18d74b7adc4610b13137b109d6fd2157e4a6d2f63d/3dgifmaker54633.gif" /> AI-generated model of “a pot” - what we consider an initial “digital sketch.” <img width="600" height="600" width_o="600" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fc46f1b4251ce511e4ded0b1dc5252f94455db05a1fa93703a028abd7da78e02/Sketches.jpg" data-mid="243578965" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/fc46f1b4251ce511e4ded0b1dc5252f94455db05a1fa93703a028abd7da78e02/Sketches.jpg" />My sketches for a pot. <img width="600" height="642" width_o="600" height_o="642" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6b75e2e097ca3acb04b200a52d92c267571054ce037fac05479618f65ffcb2dd/04_crop.jpg" data-mid="243579198" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/6b75e2e097ca3acb04b200a52d92c267571054ce037fac05479618f65ffcb2dd/04_crop.jpg" /> First version of Double Amphora. <img width="600" height="597" width_o="600" height_o="597" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/626ac20d92e7b5b304f5a9a601862d9344ba63ca8abdbb19dbf83747f9eae997/model03.gif" data-mid="243579233" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/626ac20d92e7b5b304f5a9a601862d9344ba63ca8abdbb19dbf83747f9eae997/model03.gif" /> AI-generated model of “a pot”. <img width="600" height="602" width_o="600" height_o="602" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c93ad9bf33b9a24294ef66188a247135fe8457db935e5b216629cc656de67287/cup.gif" data-mid="235476553" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/c93ad9bf33b9a24294ef66188a247135fe8457db935e5b216629cc656de67287/cup.gif" />AI-generated model of “a pot”. <img width="400" height="398" width_o="400" height_o="398" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/40e08970269db262eeeb4e79b8d761cbfc2d15fa459b7349467fe15b5f9221eb/sample02.gif" data-mid="235324807" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/40e08970269db262eeeb4e79b8d761cbfc2d15fa459b7349467fe15b5f9221eb/sample02.gif" />AI-generated model of “a pot”. <img width="1190" height="1490" width_o="1190" height_o="1490" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1450978f9856bb5df0588031cc41a328003ca996b8416c31afe0eea4f052fe36/models.png" data-mid="235324803" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1450978f9856bb5df0588031cc41a328003ca996b8416c31afe0eea4f052fe36/models.png" />Two of our first AI-generated 3D models. <img width="400" height="533" width_o="400" height_o="533" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/aa115fe7c37f6dbb3a53751fbc6782553cd26fcdb8c1aed81a47b85d122ab889/glaze_crop.gif" data-mid="235476548" border="0" data-scale="94" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/aa115fe7c37f6dbb3a53751fbc6782553cd26fcdb8c1aed81a47b85d122ab889/glaze_crop.gif" />Glazing one of the models, 3D-printed in red clay. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6dc7dd459459550cc3a7ca651726a9fd6a03605acc1afe6b5ada366cd1d0c13e/10.jpg" data-mid="237257298" border="0" data-scale="94" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/6dc7dd459459550cc3a7ca651726a9fd6a03605acc1afe6b5ada366cd1d0c13e/10.jpg" />Beaker, 3D-printed red clay, slip wash, glaze. https://sarahtrahan.com/Clay-Printer Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:17:02 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Clay-Printer Clay 3D Printer&nbsp; &nbsp;studio tool build, 2019 My journey with clay 3D printing began unexpectedly in 2019 while building a Digital Fabrication Studio at Montserrat College of Art. Despite having no prior experience with ceramics, I fell in love with the unique qualities of clay as a material and the machine expressions that arise from the clay 3D printing process. This initial fascination led me to take a ceramics course and begin experimenting with a Potterbot clay printer to better understand the technology and its possibilities. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1b47ec1975ce9bb11ee3fa02a9348ad8f4bea1c9aa139f240b679d588e21962d/test02.jpg" data-mid="235311336" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/1b47ec1975ce9bb11ee3fa02a9348ad8f4bea1c9aa139f240b679d588e21962d/test02.jpg" /> First clay printing experiments with a Potterbot, 2019. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/25aca674763463ffc67682a6417e7098bb6d21540d5e7531ed75ebfda52bcd6d/test01.jpg" data-mid="235311335" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/25aca674763463ffc67682a6417e7098bb6d21540d5e7531ed75ebfda52bcd6d/test01.jpg" /> First clay printing experiments with a Potterbot, 2019. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/94e3ea105912ad118345aa9d72cd719c06a591ebc4bd0bc146d46ad9123fe408/test03.jpg" data-mid="235311339" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/94e3ea105912ad118345aa9d72cd719c06a591ebc4bd0bc146d46ad9123fe408/test03.jpg" /> First 3 “vases” in 3D-printed porcelain, 2019. This tool-building project took shape in 2022 when I received an Art/Tech Artist-in-Residence grant that allowed me time and support to build my own custom clay printer. I started by visiting ceramicist Anna Andersen, who works with two different types of self-built clay printers. For my printer build, I decided to combine the strengths of two existing systems: an FLSun Q5 delta printer, chosen for its stepper motors and accessible motherboard, paired with a Stoneflower 3D Ceramic printer kit that provided mechanical ram extrusion and the option for independent clay extrusion controls. The technical development involved designing a custom mount for the printhead and modifying the firmware to accommodate the hybrid setup and custom wooden build plates. I also created custom G-code and slicing profiles using Prusa Slicer, which was already integrated with my existing 3D printing studio workflow. <img width="1440" height="1080" width_o="1440" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e2ea9deb3991afeb43c7cd685344f7b7037ae1e18a4bed3103f9df31cb800ece/CAD9D363-13B2-43E0-BA89-4D848A251BE0.JPG" data-mid="235311623" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e2ea9deb3991afeb43c7cd685344f7b7037ae1e18a4bed3103f9df31cb800ece/CAD9D363-13B2-43E0-BA89-4D848A251BE0.JPG" /> Researching a DIY printer build - studio visit with ceramicist Anna Andersen, Horsens, DK. <img width="1440" height="1085" width_o="1440" height_o="1085" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0fec9e3a57746e4aba8c6ec7b0c7e1243fee3b9dc0c38a216014ece8d47879ed/5BEDD43D-7C8B-4C69-9505-1E57512D6B64.JPG" data-mid="235311624" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0fec9e3a57746e4aba8c6ec7b0c7e1243fee3b9dc0c38a216014ece8d47879ed/5BEDD43D-7C8B-4C69-9505-1E57512D6B64.JPG" /> Researching a DIY printer build - studio visit with ceramicist Anna Andersen, Horsens, DK. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/70fef9089f9bf024c7373515ae093087b2bebb43a185bf67e30a16dc3952b45d/build01.jpg" data-mid="235317183" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/70fef9089f9bf024c7373515ae093087b2bebb43a185bf67e30a16dc3952b45d/build01.jpg" /> Assembling the delta printer and designing a custom printhead mount. <img width="3024" height="4032" width_o="3024" height_o="4032" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8f15fa1f94a9eacadb8512faf918811f778cc35be275b8ba5618e3e69b2ca6e5/IMG_6605.JPG" data-mid="235310699" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8f15fa1f94a9eacadb8512faf918811f778cc35be275b8ba5618e3e69b2ca6e5/IMG_6605.JPG" />Dialing in custom z heights for firmware and slicer settings. <img width="3024" height="4032" width_o="3024" height_o="4032" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c26b3a04a7e89c02382c223b282fe2fb22333bc9a79c6e37190f1e7a6ab4b0a8/IMG_0353.JPG" data-mid="235310698" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c26b3a04a7e89c02382c223b282fe2fb22333bc9a79c6e37190f1e7a6ab4b0a8/IMG_0353.JPG" />First day of operation in FabLab Spinderihallerne, Vejle, DK. <img width="400" height="711" width_o="400" height_o="711" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bcee3e658b0e37b35229edbdf07706a99cd7103241b0941cbf34cbdff5534b72/testing.gif" data-mid="235317793" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/bcee3e658b0e37b35229edbdf07706a99cd7103241b0941cbf34cbdff5534b72/testing.gif" />Testing printer operation and slicer settings. <img width="400" height="711" width_o="400" height_o="711" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/679392392c71e3a2c927477c18f8bb858a7b44abd4b86954360c2c67105dcba2/print.gif" data-mid="235321935" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/679392392c71e3a2c927477c18f8bb858a7b44abd4b86954360c2c67105dcba2/print.gif" />It’s alive! Printing with stoneware clay. <img width="400" height="711" width_o="400" height_o="711" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0c1abfede7c1d607b758252e2ad521c81590105cafdc2aa9de1769fe71b2bfe5/setup.gif" data-mid="235319236" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/0c1abfede7c1d607b758252e2ad521c81590105cafdc2aa9de1769fe71b2bfe5/setup.gif" />Printer setup in studio with wall-mounted ram extruder. After completing the build in 2023, I spent time calibrating the system and testing various types of 3D forms and clay types. The printer has since been exhibited at the Silicon Vejle festival in Vejle, DK and has become an integral tool for several of my projects, including Jord/Luft, Vibrant Soils, and Jordforbindelse. Currently, it's helping me create prototypes for experimental work combining generative AI with ceramics, A pot.Special thanks to Anna Andersen, Andrew Sliwinski and the folks at FabLab Spinderihallerne for their support and advice during the build.Some things I found helpful:+ Jonathan Keep’s guide to clay 3D-printing+ Stoneflower 3D’s Ceramic 3D printer kit+ Wikifactory Ceramic 3D printing forum <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/992e60267035cfc5e0971d20d7028f24fab80818597967676240d680e9afb528/forms.jpg" data-mid="235319526" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/992e60267035cfc5e0971d20d7028f24fab80818597967676240d680e9afb528/forms.jpg" /> Testing forms and clay bodies. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0059a94bb6c6cc45bc9df4b5d2cc827d5ada459d42af0121085d49ef7ef2d5b1/slicer.jpg" data-mid="235319515" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/0059a94bb6c6cc45bc9df4b5d2cc827d5ada459d42af0121085d49ef7ef2d5b1/slicer.jpg" /> Experiments with slicer settings. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/10ed1f7e124a8d68a4fbd651d111bab950f7e4d09fc58991de055e449086e63b/expo.jpg" data-mid="235317175" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/10ed1f7e124a8d68a4fbd651d111bab950f7e4d09fc58991de055e449086e63b/expo.jpg" />Printer on location outdoors at Silicon Vejle city festival, 2023. https://sarahtrahan.com/Mirror-Stage Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:28:59 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Mirror-Stage Mirror Stage &nbsp;Vejle Kunstmuseum, 2024 - 2025 <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/97b0026397562750909dfd6651208fbbe1777e2cd67825e7658d5da2cee8d89d/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---089.jpg" data-mid="212828021" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/97b0026397562750909dfd6651208fbbe1777e2cd67825e7658d5da2cee8d89d/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---089.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8a3aa140c6e0d9e7b5018ecd0dee83066f978972b4d40f49c8c2719afb3a2340/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---073.jpg" data-mid="212828020" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8a3aa140c6e0d9e7b5018ecd0dee83066f978972b4d40f49c8c2719afb3a2340/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---073.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b1927ae501b27af8d2de0675069a694b6a8eb4431f9001ad2ec376995f3912f7/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---091.jpg" data-mid="212828767" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b1927ae501b27af8d2de0675069a694b6a8eb4431f9001ad2ec376995f3912f7/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---091.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/659940baef1825e68a1c73532609380f92ebcdaa9eebcc7bb95cd1d994d28736/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---088.jpg" data-mid="212828768" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/659940baef1825e68a1c73532609380f92ebcdaa9eebcc7bb95cd1d994d28736/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---088.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/708ba995cd8d34ad1f1650e7cb6d6b5f860595700771f397621f3c93f83fa6e8/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---078.jpg" data-mid="212828018" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/708ba995cd8d34ad1f1650e7cb6d6b5f860595700771f397621f3c93f83fa6e8/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---078.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="667" width_o="1000" height_o="667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1b7d0d6096bfa81b44aef0ecdee0847913378d5e8ddd5c27bbaeb2c5b90d3caf/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---079.jpg" data-mid="212828019" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1b7d0d6096bfa81b44aef0ecdee0847913378d5e8ddd5c27bbaeb2c5b90d3caf/11967---Vejle-Kunstmuseum---079.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2857" width_o="2000" height_o="2857" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5d5d1179af50f0fb49ecf9b78c341f4c2ffff77d5bece891d656841f2de13f9b/Trahan_HeadWithFlowingHair.jpg" data-mid="212828306" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5d5d1179af50f0fb49ecf9b78c341f4c2ffff77d5bece891d656841f2de13f9b/Trahan_HeadWithFlowingHair.jpg" /> A head with flowing hair, archival inkjet print of AI-generated mesh, 70 x 100 cm. <img width="2000" height="2857" width_o="2000" height_o="2857" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ac889ab041e4bdfa1637012286bda03bf8be4ae2e9886d6f2a3a5983dee32954/Trahan_ADelicateFemaleFace.jpg" data-mid="212828305" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ac889ab041e4bdfa1637012286bda03bf8be4ae2e9886d6f2a3a5983dee32954/Trahan_ADelicateFemaleFace.jpg" />A delicate female face, archival inkjet print of AI-generated mesh, 70 x 100 cm. <img width="2000" height="2857" width_o="2000" height_o="2857" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ea343672ec1f60009084e3953bb0aad91ed2aedda95f75b3cbf96e8b668c5ab4/Trahan_ABeautifulVisage.jpg" data-mid="212828304" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ea343672ec1f60009084e3953bb0aad91ed2aedda95f75b3cbf96e8b668c5ab4/Trahan_ABeautifulVisage.jpg" />A beautiful visage, archival inkjet print of AI-generated mesh, 70 x 100 cm. <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/81041d87ea3dfad07a00a18d183ad9d66f446574f2bde265b4ef12c9c5bfe11c/APerfectHumanFace.jpg" data-mid="212828311" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/81041d87ea3dfad07a00a18d183ad9d66f446574f2bde265b4ef12c9c5bfe11c/APerfectHumanFace.jpg" /> A perfect human face, 3D-printed plaster/bioplastic, 16 x 16 x 19 cm. <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f5f0220d8d8c98eaeada5662e1c822347eb2076032882d373d051e723adf5d52/APerfectHumanFace_Detail.jpg" data-mid="212828310" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f5f0220d8d8c98eaeada5662e1c822347eb2076032882d373d051e723adf5d52/APerfectHumanFace_Detail.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c33e9dcb56fea8234a76a02ad4c64cf87b0a9ed526013b7157ca37cd9f45407c/AnIDealFace.jpg" data-mid="212828309" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c33e9dcb56fea8234a76a02ad4c64cf87b0a9ed526013b7157ca37cd9f45407c/AnIDealFace.jpg" />An ideal face, 3D-printed plaster/bioplastic, 19 x 13 x 16 cm. <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8909cf8fd8c15f6fc42f492e32922f3784d5a28199881765cf40430895ae9d4a/TheFaceOfAGod.jpg" data-mid="212828314" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8909cf8fd8c15f6fc42f492e32922f3784d5a28199881765cf40430895ae9d4a/TheFaceOfAGod.jpg" />The face of a god, 3D-printed plaster/bioplastic, 12 x 10 x 15 cm. <img width="1000" height="1333" width_o="1000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a0a578362657ccd32228a6623450e5e221682f1fc23f6c5a023ae76d6b61b466/TheFaceOfAGod_Detail.jpg" data-mid="212828313" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a0a578362657ccd32228a6623450e5e221682f1fc23f6c5a023ae76d6b61b466/TheFaceOfAGod_Detail.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/df066b38afcc697b6b34054df0eaf80adb5333ca60e0b2e964b391847514e351/IMG_3440.jpg" data-mid="212828341" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/df066b38afcc697b6b34054df0eaf80adb5333ca60e0b2e964b391847514e351/IMG_3440.jpg" /> In an era where image manipulation is commonplace, the relentless pursuit of physical ideals both on screens and in real life raises some questions. What defines the perfection we seek in our physical faces and bodies? Mirror Stage attempts to blend classical ideals and new technologies in order to interrogate our societal notions of bodily perfection and our evolving connection to new technologies. Mirror Stage is a collaborative venture between myself and artificial intelligence. At the heart of this endeavor is the use of text prompts to engage a machine learning system that generates 3D digital objects. Guided by prompts inspired by the physical ideals found in classical Western sculpture, such as 'a delicate female face' or 'the strong face of a god,' the system and I try to imagine and sculpt the quintessential human visage. This experiment is a play between human expression and machine interpretation, existing in the uncanny valley between the digital and the tangible. The resulting forms embrace and attempt to highlight the glitches and imperfections that are always inherent in emerging technologies. Here AI is in the spotlight, as it operates using vast data sets created and aggregated by humans; the imperfections inherent in this particular technology are directly connected to our own. Mirror Stage is a challenge to reconsider our perception of the flawless and to question our evolving relationships with the machines and systems that increasingly shape our daily lives. As we humans navigate this emerging landscape, Mirror Stage aims to be a mirror reflecting not only our ideals but also the complexities of our existence in an age of relentless technological innovation.This project is shown as a part of the group exhibition Kropumulig Kroputrolig at the Vejle Kunstmuseum in Vejle, DK. The exhibition was curated by Trine Grøne and features artists Mia Mai Dengsø Graabæk, Soren Thilo Funder and Lærke Posselt. Exhibition images courtesy of Kenneth Stjernegaard and Vejle Kunstmuseum. Funding for realizing this work courtesy of Statens Kunstfond and Vejle Kunstmuseum. + Vejle Museums’ Exhibition Page+ Press Release https://sarahtrahan.com/Art-tech-AIR Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:59:00 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Art-tech-AIR Art/tech Artist-in-Residence, Vejle Kommune residency and exhibition, 2022 - 2023 From 2022 to 2023, I served as the Art/tech artist-in-residence for Vejle municipality, Denmark; a role that combined art education with personal creative practice. The AIR role had two main parts: working with teachers, students, and decision-makers to create workshops and events that taught people about new technology through art and play, and developing my own art and technology projects. As AIR I collaborated with educators, researchers, students, and artists from Denmark and beyond, each bringing different perspectives to questions about art, technology, and learning. The 18 months of work culminated in Sarah Trahan: Art/tech Huskunstner, an exhibition at Spinderihallerne that documented and displayed the various projects and partnerships that emerged during my time as AIR. The exhibition was organized around four areas — Teacher Collaboration &amp; Workshops, Art in the FabLab, BioTechLab Experiments, and Fermenting Data — and included objects, photographs, and documentation from my own art/tech projects and experiments including my self-built clay printer, With/in a Landscape, Vibrant Soils, Hot Plastic, and Surface Error.This residency was made possible through support from Vejle kommune and a generous grant from Statens Kunstfond. Other supporting partners for the residency include Vejle Bibliotekerne, Vejle Musik-og kulturskole, FabLab Spinderihallerne, BioTechLab Spinderihallerne and the Fermenting Data project. Images and video courtesy of Jonas Normann. + Interview in Kulturmonitor+ Spinderihallerne AIR page+ #arttechhuskunstner on Instagram <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6fcdef21cbad0d39adea87dbddb05a83dcc8ae29c9d089b1a5db55d62ec59e49/Workshops_13.JPG" data-mid="235310459" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/6fcdef21cbad0d39adea87dbddb05a83dcc8ae29c9d089b1a5db55d62ec59e49/Workshops_13.JPG" /> Intro to Clay 3D Printing AIR workshop. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6ac7c51505f177fd7730a220261f333d1695743eeb777bbabc351f08b9712cb9/FermData_01.jpg" data-mid="235307674" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/6ac7c51505f177fd7730a220261f333d1695743eeb777bbabc351f08b9712cb9/FermData_01.jpg" /> Fermenting Data AIR workshop series. <img width="400" height="711" width_o="400" height_o="711" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2d0429a8fac43d3253bf8baee8c8861dccaa36ac56e99932d800c1dd84e5e6e8/ArtBots.gif" data-mid="235307421" border="0" data-scale="92" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/2d0429a8fac43d3253bf8baee8c8861dccaa36ac56e99932d800c1dd84e5e6e8/ArtBots.gif" />ArtBot! AIR&nbsp;workshops with teachers, students and parents. <img width="400" height="650" width_o="400" height_o="650" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/eca02f872779e0245d56ffe25c5b14687ab671f21fd971b6bca56fc312f6b43e/FabLearn-crop.gif" data-mid="235485558" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/400/i/eca02f872779e0245d56ffe25c5b14687ab671f21fd971b6bca56fc312f6b43e/FabLearn-crop.gif" />Playing in 3D AIR workshop, FabLearn Conference. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4126d502704e043b9ae5fc2ae7c1b4bedaf79f65f8733f8a81ac0e296ea7c5a3/1X0A9608.jpg" data-mid="198069347" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4126d502704e043b9ae5fc2ae7c1b4bedaf79f65f8733f8a81ac0e296ea7c5a3/1X0A9608.jpg" /> Exhibition view, Art in the FabLab. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2c92e487ab56fdf1238f7887b96ee3486e86b2977906b60475fb68a1b86af275/1X0A9590.jpg" data-mid="198069243" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2c92e487ab56fdf1238f7887b96ee3486e86b2977906b60475fb68a1b86af275/1X0A9590.jpg" /> <img width="1334" height="2000" width_o="1334" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dc0a1358417731624771a2e4cfcd0a7d32c08afa1b7849bee93c6a3143e42012/1X0A9619.jpg" data-mid="198069365" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dc0a1358417731624771a2e4cfcd0a7d32c08afa1b7849bee93c6a3143e42012/1X0A9619.jpg" /> Vibrant Soils project. <img width="1853" height="1236" width_o="1853" height_o="1236" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0f10b0afee1386eeedf273d8bd0a64f52346b4a69f3585adb07664d26ed8c0d8/1X0A9618v2.jpg" data-mid="198070520" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0f10b0afee1386eeedf273d8bd0a64f52346b4a69f3585adb07664d26ed8c0d8/1X0A9618v2.jpg" /> <img width="1334" height="2000" width_o="1334" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b0616a6e6c79e423480997840d2adff54b076bab55a8ff776b674ca902065074/1X0A9622.jpg" data-mid="198070713" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b0616a6e6c79e423480997840d2adff54b076bab55a8ff776b674ca902065074/1X0A9622.jpg" />BioTechLab Experiments. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/995be79e8a96c70471f3f07f79bf17be489b04d5250070cb65b8c041c235e11c/1X0A9630.jpg" data-mid="198070683" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/995be79e8a96c70471f3f07f79bf17be489b04d5250070cb65b8c041c235e11c/1X0A9630.jpg" /> <img width="1334" height="2000" width_o="1334" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/701af2fae1b1a642617083280c769e8d7de98138254d1c9974bd57a005630254/1X0A9644.jpg" data-mid="198070718" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/701af2fae1b1a642617083280c769e8d7de98138254d1c9974bd57a005630254/1X0A9644.jpg" />Fermenting Data. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bc7914349167d39f1c151b2ab5f196fd1e096f85c775241af13a01fbdd63e6ee/1X0A9651.jpg" data-mid="198070841" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bc7914349167d39f1c151b2ab5f196fd1e096f85c775241af13a01fbdd63e6ee/1X0A9651.jpg" /> https://sarahtrahan.com/With-in-a-Landscape Tue, 16 May 2023 09:57:34 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/With-in-a-Landscape With/in a Landscape sculpting with brainwaves, 2021 - 2023 Process video of field work and EEG data capture on location in Kilpisjaarvi, FI. <img width="1067" height="800" width_o="1067" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c32ce97bd1a69f724be87d87727cf8b865ad8f91fd5693aa467e101751f25af1/IMG_2338.JPG" data-mid="197582648" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c32ce97bd1a69f724be87d87727cf8b865ad8f91fd5693aa467e101751f25af1/IMG_2338.JPG" /> Saana Nature Area, FI. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/116c81ab806192713b18c12b024b437a83ef8fa672b32c543b8742669e5278f5/FW_03.jpg" data-mid="178911473" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/116c81ab806192713b18c12b024b437a83ef8fa672b32c543b8742669e5278f5/FW_03.jpg" /> Saana Fell, FI. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ec8d90af8bc36ed00440b4733d5a3e19033cbb80ba63dc1e47bb3aecf63a251a/FW_04.jpg" data-mid="178911820" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/ec8d90af8bc36ed00440b4733d5a3e19033cbb80ba63dc1e47bb3aecf63a251a/FW_04.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9d4718a664bc9228c41258b213b5f504fa6e0523ffc0cca203d31015eb61b086/FW_01.jpg" data-mid="178911471" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/9d4718a664bc9228c41258b213b5f504fa6e0523ffc0cca203d31015eb61b086/FW_01.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="1067" width_o="600" height_o="1067" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d60751bb66fa6c0be647a3818ffe555669f7a4929286ab15bc8b81e0b898a09d/Rotate.gif" data-mid="178911474" border="0" data-scale="75" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/d60751bb66fa6c0be647a3818ffe555669f7a4929286ab15bc8b81e0b898a09d/Rotate.gif" /> Test model for a sculpture, generated from EEG data captured on location in Saana Nature Area, Kilpisjaarvi, FI. We are in the outdoors. I am plugged into my computer and it is sensing me, itself, and the surrounding landscape, blending us all together in a series of recorded ones and zeros. My breath goes out into the wind, the wind whirs into the computer fan and drifts back to me again. We are a cyborg, an extended, expanded body. We are networks within a network within networks, constantly interpreted and interpreting. As I reflect on this experience outdoors I wonder how this entanglement in a remote landscape can be contained and carried for sharing with others. How can multiple, simultaneous, and invisible states of being be expressed? This project aims to materialize the intangible interconnections our bodies have with technology and the living world. The vessels in this collection are sculpted from an intermingling of electrical impulses, where the human body, its extensions (technology), and the landscape are embodied and contained with/in the same vessel. The forms presented here were generated from data collected during solo hikes in the Arctic Circle over two weeks in the summer of 2021. The data consisted of small electric impulses captured from my body, the computer, and the surrounding landscape. The data was recorded using a portable EEG helmet and converted into 3-dimensional objects using an algorithmic 3D modeling program. Each vessel is reflective of a unique moment in time in the remote Arctic landscape; hearing the wind whistle through the EEG sensors, feeling rocks slip under my feet, watching a tadpole swim. While scientific sensing equipment was used to collect this data, the resulting forms are not literal data visualizations; they are interpretations of the interplay between human and non-human existences, sculpted with artistic intent. This project was supported in part by Ars Bioartica, Statens Kunstfond and Montserrat College of Art (USA). It has been shown as a part of Land, Mark, a group show at the Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester, MA. It has also been featured in a pop-up exhibition at Vejle Bibliotekerne in Vejle, DK and as a part of the Vejle Kommune Artist-in-residence exhibition in Spinderihallerne, Vejle, DK.+ Land, Mark Press Release <img width="600" height="409" width_o="600" height_o="409" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b21fbf985dacc4f3c7aab41194330f85de18d8fb87563f5e5f309369c0e69dbf/Test-Model.gif" data-mid="178912489" border="0" data-scale="82" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/b21fbf985dacc4f3c7aab41194330f85de18d8fb87563f5e5f309369c0e69dbf/Test-Model.gif" /> A test model using my EEG data, built using Grasshopper. <img width="2558" height="1426" width_o="2558" height_o="1426" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3854b448a972eeea81409c9ed6545ee730965da0a3015d273a75b15d224624c0/Models.png" data-mid="178912488" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3854b448a972eeea81409c9ed6545ee730965da0a3015d273a75b15d224624c0/Models.png" />A group of 3D meshes generated from my EEG data. <img width="600" height="800" width_o="600" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e6895eb81ef2c2aed81029718b646b61fd36d1e7321b109d4990affb7cb23ae9/3DP.jpg" data-mid="178913029" border="0" data-scale="97" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/e6895eb81ef2c2aed81029718b646b61fd36d1e7321b109d4990affb7cb23ae9/3DP.jpg" /> Hand assembly of 3D-printed sculpture parts. <img width="1000" height="529" width_o="1000" height_o="529" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/93aaf5489d164f0f8912caa9266112d5e5a6c51be20f558b57e83b8a415ed618/WiALand_set.jpg" data-mid="228203206" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/93aaf5489d164f0f8912caa9266112d5e5a6c51be20f558b57e83b8a415ed618/WiALand_set.jpg" /> First set of sculptures generated from EEG data. 3D-printed in bioplastic (PLA), assembled and finished by hand. Various dimensions. <img width="750" height="1000" width_o="750" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/adb5a2e26596ea1836e1c4c54850dc135a8ba0ca80c1f3df4c5e76d90d0487bb/WiALand_det01.jpg" data-mid="178913361" border="0" data-scale="83" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/adb5a2e26596ea1836e1c4c54850dc135a8ba0ca80c1f3df4c5e76d90d0487bb/WiALand_det01.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5af3ebb2a9a67590cc627ab10095998c2e5d7156942a10c8b82b2e2920830665/US_02.jpg" data-mid="178913359" border="0" data-scale="85" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5af3ebb2a9a67590cc627ab10095998c2e5d7156942a10c8b82b2e2920830665/US_02.jpg" /> On exhibit at Rocky Neck Art Colony in Land/mark, 2022. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5f32a7e0dcd60796717fa9ea19685a1684c3647071b287bf54ac4a4b6752d939/1X0A9602-copy.jpg" data-mid="198072399" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5f32a7e0dcd60796717fa9ea19685a1684c3647071b287bf54ac4a4b6752d939/1X0A9602-copy.jpg" />With/in a Landscape in the exhibition Sarah Trahan: Art/tech artist-in-residence at Spinderihallerne, Vejle, DK. Image © Jonas Normann. <img width="2000" height="1334" width_o="2000" height_o="1334" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1c699aeafdb20e5dd931cb10d82787a06223534f20e7596c54746a7936838092/1X0A9590.jpg" data-mid="198072200" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1c699aeafdb20e5dd931cb10d82787a06223534f20e7596c54746a7936838092/1X0A9590.jpg" /> Exhibition detail.&nbsp; Image © Jonas Normann. https://sarahtrahan.com/Vibrant-Soils Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:50:20 +0000 Sarah Trahan https://sarahtrahan.com/Vibrant-Soils Vibrant Soils&nbsp; Spinderihallerne, 2024&nbsp; <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0b0150901303645fc0233fe12841b484178919a1cbceebd0f954357f48a265db/VS_2.jpg" data-mid="225677243" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0b0150901303645fc0233fe12841b484178919a1cbceebd0f954357f48a265db/VS_2.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3d69c6cfb92d7ef2dc83541bf326a2134cc166ae02e9bc653235340fc3a2408/VS_1.jpg" data-mid="225677242" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3d69c6cfb92d7ef2dc83541bf326a2134cc166ae02e9bc653235340fc3a2408/VS_1.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/898a300700750aef4c960576fa7af0e656944521dfd41f88917478746a8c729c/VS_3.jpg" data-mid="225677245" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/898a300700750aef4c960576fa7af0e656944521dfd41f88917478746a8c729c/VS_3.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="750" width_o="1000" height_o="750" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/94a2a6da340285cc8cb96f68386ac4b0f1326c768c020086c060055396083b3a/VS_4.jpg" data-mid="225677246" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/94a2a6da340285cc8cb96f68386ac4b0f1326c768c020086c060055396083b3a/VS_4.jpg" />Soil sound sculptures, 3D printed wild clay, various dimensions; largest 14 cm high. edition of 2. <img width="750" height="1000" width_o="750" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/096c828d132bd73bb506e2d0615266463642f6c069c079f43c15b57f6c2093af/VS_5.jpg" data-mid="225677247" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/096c828d132bd73bb506e2d0615266463642f6c069c079f43c15b57f6c2093af/VS_5.jpg" /> <img width="750" height="1000" width_o="750" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5b616875e5b5e49103387901816e7d3aebb90cb337fccfb6de9bdcae381c86b8/VS_6.jpg" data-mid="225677248" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/5b616875e5b5e49103387901816e7d3aebb90cb337fccfb6de9bdcae381c86b8/VS_6.jpg" /> Outdoor installation of soil sound sculptures, 2024. <img width="750" height="1000" width_o="750" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f6470f1c533d452ecb95c14af5cead395b873d163d1edac2c5e5771cdf90ef8/VS_7.jpg" data-mid="225677249" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/7f6470f1c533d452ecb95c14af5cead395b873d163d1edac2c5e5771cdf90ef8/VS_7.jpg" /> A collaborative project with design researcher Louise Permiin, building on work presented in Jord/Luft. Featured in the upcoming publication, Language of Soil: Handbook for Transdisciplinary Research / [ed] Anna Krzywoszynska and Alexandra R. Toland, London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2027. Did you know that the Earth is alive? Every day, we walk on top of millions of small soil-dwellers that help ensure we can live and breathe on Earth. In Vibrant Soils, we combine biological research and artistic approaches to explore the invisible worlds within our soil. This project is a collection of sound recordings, videos, images, and sculptures that collectively mark the presence of a diverse array of soil-dwellers within the Danish landscape. What if you could hold a sound in your hands? Our set of clay objects featured in this exhibition is the experimental result of our explorations in translating vibrations from the soil’s ecosystem into sculptural forms. To create these works, sound recordings of tiny soil-dwellers, such as earthworms and mites, feed a custom-built system that generates sculptural 3D models from audio files. These 3D models were then 3D printed in wild clay that we harvested and processed, resulting in a series of unique clay sculptures that are both of the landscape and from the landscape. This project was supported in part by: Spinderihallerne, Vejle Kommune, ceramicist Anna Andersen, Senior Researcher Emeritus Paul Henning Krogh from the Aarhus University Dept. of Ecoscience, and Sissel Fuglsang-Smidt, Jordens Hus. Process video with our soil recordings as soundtrack, 2024.