Crafting Ceramics through the Use of Virtual Reality

The project is focused on how virtual reality (VR), using Oculus Rift and 3D-printing in clay is suitable to link to the process of throwing vessels within ceramic crafts. Thus, it is explored how digital technologies create new possibilities within crafting and how it can build on traditional techniques within the field of ceramics. 

The aim of the presented technique is to combine throwing and pattern-making as an integrated process while building up the thrown object, here named virtual pattern-throwing. Furthermore, it is explored how this use of VR for throwing makes it possible to recall a hands-on experience and thus weave the quality of the traditional craftsmanship with the virtual within the process of making vessels.

The process in this experiment is based on a two-step process within the 3D virtual sculpting environment Oculus Medium. The first step entails developing a tool for using a virtual wheel. Here named the wheel-tool. The second step is the actual sculpting of the vessel through the use of the wheel.

The result is vessel-like shapes decorated with a relief pattern as an integrated part of the surface. The result is notable since it clearly references the traditional techniques of impressing by carving or using stamps into soft clay by pressing different shaped objects.