admin, Author at Polywerk

Polywerk had their first art exhibition

Since this was our first collaboratory exhibition, which included new interns collaborating for the first time, there were many challenges. We developed team communication, task allocation, and ways to solve problems collectively. Most of the models were 3D printed. We had one month to implement the exhibition.

We researched geometric patterns that could be repeated endlessly. Additionally, we created corresponding models with pegs and constructed functional lights with improvised forms.

We designed and printed our own mascot, ‘Polyman.’ The character’s idea originates from the Viking rune ‘Inguz’ (fertility), which is also depicted on the mascot’s hands and feet.

The chandelier consists of various 3D printed triangles hanging with pegs on the chandelier frame. In the center of the chandelier is an RGB lamp.

We designed and 3D printed masks. We coloured the masks in a way that, when combined with RGB lighting, would be visually interesting. We hung the masks in front of paintings for multi-layered depth.

We sewed a thin layer of batting across the fabric and added eyelets to the edges so that the fabric could be easily installed and transported. We attached LED strips to the fabric and covered them with polyester batting. The final idea was to create a stormy sky with customisable lighting.

We coloured the paintings using specific colours that worked well with RGB lighting.

Our goal in creating the exhibition was to find a medium where we could utilize and develop our artistic skills. Therefore, we began exploring ways to integrate 3D art with lighting to ensure that our exhibition would be in line with the overall theme. It was also important for us to repurpose everything created for future exhibitions or in our own studio.

The exhibition was made possible by: Narusberk, Henry Narusberk, Tõnu Sepp, Eliise Järve, Oliver Kängsepp, Markos Leemet, Anastasia Musakko, Argo Vahane, Paula Kivi, Rain Kalde, Andrej, Hendrik Alla

3D Shadows: Playing with Light & Dark

In the intricate ballet of 3D design, one element often stands as the unsung hero, painting the difference between mediocrity and magnificence: lighting. Every 3D artist, be it a hobbyist or a professional, will attest to the transformative power of light and shadow in their creations. Harnessing tools like Blender, a premier 3D software, artists craft luminous tapestries that can elevate a project from good to spellbinding. But why is lighting so pivotal in 3D design? Let’s delve into the chiaroscuro world of “3D Shadows.”

The Luminary Divide: Average vs. Great Designers

3D design, at its core, is about replicating reality — or reimagening it. And in our tangible world, nothing is more intrinsic than the interplay of light and dark. An average 3D designer might model a scene to near perfection, with meticulously crafted objects and textures. But without the right lighting, the scene can fall flat, appearing artificial or lifeless.
Enter the maestros, the great 3D designers who understand that lighting isn’t just a final touch but a foundational element. These artists don’t just place light sources; they sculpt with light, wielding it as a potter would clay. With calculated precision, they manipulate shadows, gradients, and glows, breathing life into their digital canvases.

The Alchemy of Light in Blender

Blender, with its sophisticated suite of tools, offers artists a veritable sandbox for lighting experiments. The software boasts features that allow for realistic ray tracing, global illumination, and even caustics, which are intricate light patterns like those you see at the bottom of a swimming pool on a sunny day.

But beyond technicalities, Blender empowers artists to tell stories with light. Think of a dimly lit room, with only a sliver of sunlight seeping through a cracked window, casting long, somber shadows—an ambiance of melancholy or mystery. Contrast this with a vibrant landscape bathed in golden-hour hues, evoking warmth, nostalgia, perhaps even joy.

Breathing Life into Projects

It’s often said in the realms of photography and cinematography that light is everything, and the same rings true for 3D design. Lighting determines how the viewer perceives shape, texture, depth, and mood. It can highlight critical elements, guide the viewer’s gaze, or even mask imperfections.

A well-lit 3D scene can convey the coolness of metal, the roughness of bark, or the translucency of a delicate fabric. It can elicit emotions, from the unease of a dark alley to the serenity of a moonlit beach. In essence, while modeling gives a project its body, lighting bestows its soul.

The Nuanced Shadows

But lighting isn’t just about the bright spots. The shadows, often overlooked, are equally critical. They provide depth, creating a three-dimensional illusion in what is essentially a two-dimensional display. Shadows define spatial relationships between objects, making a scene appear grounded and believable. In Blender, artists can tweak shadow softness, length, color, and opacity, crafting nuances that add layers of realism or stylization as desired.

In Conclusion

The world of 3D design is vast, with myriad elements demanding an artist’s attention. However, lighting, with its silent yet profound influence, stands as a testament to the adage that it’s often the subtle touches that leave the most significant impact. As tools like Blender continue to evolve, offering even more refined control over lighting and shadows, one thing remains clear: to ascend from being a good 3D designer to a great one, one must master the dance of light and dark, and revel in the transformative symphony of “3D Shadows.”