Dr. Mark Prysi discusses a new form of art: 3D printing iconic sculptures and classic art, a phenomenon popular in california.

1. 3D Printing Iconic Sculptures
There was a time when you could get yourself a copy of some of the iconic sculptures that
would line art museums in the past. In fact, it was a standard in the 19th century, but it died
down as technology changed and things were harder to reproduce. However, technology has
come around again and it can definitely produce an incredible and beautiful iconic work in
full 3D with the latest printers. Some have even already started
with the creation of The Venus de Milo and Winged Victory.
For Home Use
The designs were uploaded online and anyone with a 3D printer
could get their hands on this, and nearly 14,000 people have
already jumped on board to get it done. Published by Cosmo
Wenman out of California, he has been able to bring to life
something that was somewhat forgotten in the art and consumer
world. The goal here was to create something that you could not
get in a museum, and that’s the art piece. As collectors and
consumers pine to have works of art in their home, this becomes
a great solution that will combine that longing into something
tangible that anyone can get their hands on. You cannot go into a
museum and ask to purchase some of the icons on display, but if
you have 3D printer, here is your shot at having one in your home.
The Price Tag
What may be perhaps most interesting is that the scans are
copyright-free and you don’t have to pay for the published designs.
Artists can break things up, create new works, or just keep things as is. For art lovers, don’t
worry, this was not taken from the originals or harmed in any way. The scans have been stated
to have been followed through the many works of reproduction that were made by plaster
artists. When the practice faded, many were not sold, and some were even destroyed.
Copyright
The one thing that definitely is interesting is the fact that the artist this time around,
received permission to scan the art piece by piece, and compose everything to create this. As
such, this is not a fast paced work of art, it took weeks to get just right for the rendering
through a 3D model. The data found will get published through other works according to
Wenman. As for now, if you get your hands on a 3D model, you too could have an exquisite
work of master art.