Taekyeom Lee, “Additive Process: Art of Additive Manufacturing”

Exhibits Feb. 15-March 14
Climenhaga Building, Aughinbaugh Art Gallery

Artists are not afraid of change and challenge the notion of creative practice by reflecting zeitgeist in many forms of art. That is the driving force and how we have pushed the boundary of the art in many diverse directions. For centuries, many artists have worked exclusively with their own hands and tools—either they made their own tools or buy tools—for their artistic and creative practices. In the past, you should make a piece of art with your own hands with your idea and craftsmanship although many of famous artists had apprentices or assistants. With the development of digital technology, contemporary artists have accepted new digital tools that can assist them to change the conventional definition of art and craft the for last decades. It is already undeniable that we are facing a paradigm shift in many forms of art and design under the development of digital technology, as the exciting and rapidly changing digital environment introduces new possibilities. Today, technological convergence and new manufacturing processes using Computer Numerical Controls like 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting have broadened creative possibilities and the perception of the three-dimensional experience for artists and designers. Three-dimensional printing, in particular, has become more refined, common, and accessible. I decided to build custom tools including self-build 3D printers and my own paste extruders, as a ceramic 3D printer was not affordable or accessible. As the extension of hands, these new technologies became new tools for pushing the boundaries of the medium both regarding concept and materiality. Likewise, 3D printed ceramic type obtains materiality and dimensionality so that this becomes an involved cross-disciplinary research.

Lee is an interdisciplinary artist although he prefers to introduce himself a designer using artist’s material and artistic sensibility. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He received an MFA degree in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has made three-dimensional type as a series of typographic explorations to strive challenge and seek a new way to create tangible type in three-dimensional space. As a part of research, he built a self-build 3D printer and designed his own paste extruders to produce intricate 3D ceramic type and objects. His research has drawn interest nationally and internationally. His interests in graphic design are not solely focused on unconventional typography but also explore a diverse area of interests and experience such as publication design, artist book, lettering, exhibition design, branding, web design, environmental design, CAD design, digital fabrication, generative design, augmented reality, ceramics, sculpture, and art/design pedagogy.

Artist’s Talk and Reception Feb. 15, 4:15 p.m.
Climenhaga Building, Aughinbaugh Art Gallery

For more information about the artist please see his website