Bespoke Object Proposal

Concept Description:

For this project, I aim to 3D print a reinterpretation of a pre-Columbian artifact from the Tacarigua, an Indigenous group that thrived 1000 years ago in what is now Venezuela. This project is an opportunity to reconnect with my heritage while exploring innovative fabrication techniques.

A key feature of this project is the use of clay as the 3D printing material, connecting back to the original medium used by the Tacarigua. The final piece will honor the cultural and spiritual importance of Tacarigua artifacts while reimagining them in a contemporary context.

Subverting Anti-Indigenous Narratives:

This project challenges Western narratives that often frame Indigenous material culture as static, primitive, or disconnected from innovation. By reinterpreting a Tacarigua artifact using 3D printing technology, I aim to demonstrate that Indigenous cultures are dynamic, adaptive, and continuously evolving.

Visual Communication:
The header image of this post features my handmade re-interpretations of these ancient figurines. I've also made sketches and diagrams of the artifact concept, focusing on forms with exaggerated proportions and geometric surface patterns, both of which are characteristic of pre-Columbian designs. Fig. 2 features the original artifacts that inspired my designs. 

Fig. 3. Brainstorming poster about my artist practice and focus on pre-Columbian ceramics from Venezuela. This includes artist and archaeologist research.

Fig. 4. Sketch of desired silhouette of 3D clay print. Might need to be printed upside-down on its head for stability.

Fig. 5. My Blender model after being
3D printed with supports. 

Processes:

1. Digital:

• Conduct research on Tacarigua artifacts using museum archives, online collections, and academic resources.
• Use software like Blender or Rhino to design a 3D model inspired by traditional Tacarigua designs, emphasizing carved patterns and ceremonial forms.
• Refine the model to ensure it is optimized for clay 3D printing, including considerations for structural integrity and printability.

Fig. 6. A 3D printed model I designed in Blender.
This model was inspired by Betijoque figurines.  

2. Physical

• Use a clay 3D printer to fabricate the model, ensuring the process retains the tactile qualities of the original material.
• Experiment with surface treatments, such as slip application, hand carving, or natural oxides, to create a finish reminiscent of ancient ceramic techniques.
• Fire the clay

The Bespoke Object:
This project embodies "The Bespoke Object" by intertwining personal heritage with emerging technological processes. By using clay, the materiality itself evokes a narrative, linking the artifact to its original medium and the broader tradition of Indigenous craftsmanship. The combination of historical research and modern fabrication techniques demonstrates how bespoke design can preserve cultural stories while innovating for the future.