christopher dean

I trained at the Royal Academy schools, London and used traditional sculpting techniques to create sculpture in bronze and stone. I had not used a computer until I came across the FreeForm modelling system that was based at the Hothouse design Centre in Stoke On Trent. I was fascinated by the potential of this technology, for my own work and for use in education. I had looked into other 3D modelling applications available at that time and realised that they were too complex and too mathematical for my direct working process. In 1999 I quit my teaching job to be able to work with and research the FreeForm^tm modelling system. This system opened a very important door for me, the key  for me was that this system used your sense of touch to model and shape form, it was also an easy system to use. In the same way you would use a pencil to draw, a paintbrush to paint or a modelling tool to place clay in the right place the FreeForm^tm modelling system allows you to be directly engaged through physical contact with the model. This virtual reality, digital, capability removes material dynamics such as size and weight etc. allowing you to develop and realise your ideas faster and further than before.

I have worked with this system, firstly as a product consultant for SensAble Technologies and then independantly as a freelancer since that time, producing models and designs and benchmarks for many distinguished companies such as Rolls Royce Motors, Royal Doulton and National Museums Liverpool. I am a recognised FreeForm^tm service provider for the UK and northern Europe. I give talks and demonstrations at Universities and colleges and to Art organisation, most recently I gave a presentation called 'FreeForm^tm, getting a feel for it' to the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturers Association at the Jewelmed event, held at the Jewellery Innovation Centre at UCE Birmingham.

As a digital sculptor I have also just recently been Artist in residence at the Museum of Science and industry in an exhibition called Intersculpt 2003, which linked with other exhibitions around the world.

Please visit the Gallery to view my traditional and digital work