Working with Frank Farris, Professor of Mathematics at Santa Clara University, CA on designing and ceramic 3D printing knit and chainmail patterns.

We have been developing the use of sound data toward a new direction. Literally so.

The “pathfinder code” designed by Timea and created with Python coding help from Daria Micovic, reroutes the printer in the presence of sound information.

Each time, running the code allows subtle textures changes. Accidental code errors led us to develop unique shapes.

Ringató (Cradled) is a technohaptic project by Timea, which we have presented various times during our open studio events and at the NCECA 2019 Claytopia Conference in Minneapolis. Ringató invites participants to interface (we call it “to dance”) with the machine.

Participants sit with the printer while the machine prints a particular shape in their hands. The resulting form not only preserves each person’s unique fingerprint and touch but it could not otherwise be made by the machine alone.

This unique project demonstrates the nature of intimacy and interaction between the human and the machine, while putting the former into the role of initiating, directing and sustaining the process.

See this beautiful video by Rollofall about the project: https://vimeo.com/320070308

As part of our collaboration with WXML, we have been exploring the mathematical nature of sandpile models (chip-firing games). Our first take on these resulted in series of new textured forms designed by Timea, both cups and larger vessels, with a dense yet delicate, almost bead-like design that shows the equilibrium state of each matrix.

Surprisingly, each matrix (sets of values/data organized into rows and columns) produces a slightly different pattern of distribution in this end-state of stability, yet there are some matrices that never seem to stabilize.

This is an ongoing research, which tackles both open questions in math and future uses of such patterns in art.

Following up on our recent research of creating textures using Elementary CA, this spring we are exploring various ways of devising other forms of self-generating patterns that are, while still rule-based, dependent only on the geometric properties of a small submatrix.

In collaboration with IxD researcher, Audrey Desjardins, we have developed methodology for capturing, logging, parsing and transforming user data into functional objects. We have established a new term, data-tactility, to describe aims of this project and conduct discourse. See more about this project on the Slip Trail.

Continuing our research in textured patterns, we are looking at ways patterns may be generated by rules. After considering several interesting possibilities, we started looking at various forms of Cellular Automata. A Cellular Automaton (CA) is a mathematical model in which special rules govern the replication, in other words the next generation (next unit, next line, next row, etc.) is based on simple preset rules. Generation can go on endlessly, leading to sometimes orderly, sometimes more chaotic patterns in both 2D and in 3D.

In this exciting collaboration with Sara Billey, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Washington, we have been coding in Sage (CoCalc) to generate and diagram iterations of such CA patterns, while also experimenting with new algorithmic and other systems for creating rules. 

Building on research of basketry, weaving, crochet, knitting, etc. techniques and patterns, we've been considering various translations of these into porcelain.

See more about this research on Follow the Slip Trail.

We started making cups for our Inaugural Open House in the fall of 2017.

These 3D printed porcelain cups are wonderful as quick methods to tests ideas and processes, like checking nozzle diameters on certain prints, as studies for pattern and color and as design prototypes.

Their making can be a real team effort, allowing each intern to learn parts of the ceramics process and giving all of us a chance to play.

Timea’s signature glazing process creates soft watercolor-like effects, making each cup into a one-of-a-kind, unique piece of art.

Inspired by basket weaving and knitting, we are looking at various ways to produce surfaces by interlocking loops of porcelain.

We are the first studio to develop a workflow process and a textural vocabulary with loops made entirely in CAD using Rhino and Fusion360.

During out fall open house we shared technical know-how with local artists and have continued to do so for with larger audiences on our blog and Instagram page.

More images are on the Slip Trail.

We had a productive and fun summer exploring various ways for creating bold all-over textures, such as folds, bumps, ropes, wraps, winds, blips, etc. We experimented with various nozzle diameters and product dimensions and went out on a limb to show that the printer still requires the skills of a potter and the understanding of the material. 

See more images of the glazed and finished pieces on Instagram.

This summer we are methodically exploring ways for creating interesting textures with the printer. There are surprising variations based on the form, how the detail was created in the design program, whether the detail is on the inside or on the outside of the form, how much space is in between textural details, the consistency of clay, and what slicer and printer settings have been applied.

Find more close-ups from the most recent selection on Instagram. 

3D designed/prototyped and slipcast bone china, foam porcelain, single channel video, chalk drawing, 2016

Installation at 9e2, King Street Station, Seattle

More information: timeatihanyi.com

Created for Axiomatic, a year-long collaborative research project with Jayadev Athreya, Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics, University of Washington. Axiomatic explored parallels of creativity in the arts and in mathematics. Axiomatic is supported by a 2017 Simpson Center for the Humanities Collaboration Studio Grant.