As clay 3D printing gains traction within the pottery community, it’s sparking discussions and sometimes, differing viewpoints. Understanding this innovative technique is key to fostering productive conversations about its place in art. Having experience with both traditional pottery methods and cutting-edge technologies in clay art, I aim to offer a balanced perspective on Clay 3d Printers and their role in the evolving world of ceramics.
My journey with clay began with traditional sculpting and wheel throwing, skills I honed over many years. It was an injury sustained while working at my pottery wheel that led me to explore alternative creative paths. The year was 2019, and clay 3D printing was beginning to emerge globally. I embraced this new artistic medium, gradually reshaping my preconceived notions about technology and its application in art creation.
I initially assumed that my pottery background would make clay 3D printing straightforward, but I was quickly proven wrong. The physical demands of clay preparation, machine setup, and the numerous preliminary steps before printing were unexpected. After dedicating time to learn 3D design software, I invested in my own clay 3D printer in 2021. The subsequent months were filled with experimentation – refining clay consistency, exploring forms, and mastering printer operation – all essential before I could truly begin to express myself as a contemporary artist using this technology.
Often misunderstood, the clay 3D printer is essentially a tool, akin to the pottery wheel or electric kiln. Like any tool in pottery, mastering a clay 3D printer involves a significant learning curve. As my own experience demonstrates, proficiency in clay 3D printing requires time and dedication. Beyond the fundamental pottery skills—clay handling, decoration, and firing—understanding 3D modeling and print preparation is crucial.
Surprisingly, the initial development and modification of 3D printers for clay were often driven by artists, not just engineers.
Mandelbulb Urn by Jonathan Keep
Random Growth series ceramic art by Jonathan Keep
Sound Surface Series ceramic 3D print art by Jonathan Keep
Jonathan Keep Leicester Exhibition ceramic art
Ceramic 3D printed artwork at Leicester Exhibition by Jonathan Keep
Leicester Exhibition showcasing 3D printed ceramics by Jonathan Keep
Jonathan Keep, a pioneer in clay 3D printing, is a celebrated artist who has significantly influenced the field. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, Keep designed and built his own ceramic 3D printer and generously shared the build instructions online. Using advanced technology, his clay forms are intended to “question the reality we create for ourselves.” Jonathan subtly promotes the idea that clay 3D printing is a natural progression in pottery, similar to the adoption of the electric pottery wheel in the early 20th century.
The evolution of art and technological advancements have always been interconnected. Artistic expression is constantly redefined as artists explore new creative tools.
Taekyeom Lee, an award-winning designer and assistant professor of Graphic Design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also built his own ceramic 3D printer. He approaches clay as an “ink,” creating “tangible typography” through his 3D-printed pieces. In a thought-provoking statement, Lee asked, “Don’t you think that if Da Vinci had access to these new technological tools, he would not use them?” This perspective encourages us to consider the historical context of artistic innovation and the embrace of new technologies.
Ceramic 3D Printer designed by Taekyeom Lee
MFA Thesis project using clay 3D printing by Taekyeom Lee
Collection with Gravity 3D printed ceramic series by Taekyeom Lee
Portrait of Taekyeom Lee, ceramic 3D printing artist
Despite their different executions, creating clay forms using a pottery wheel and a 3D printer share fundamental similarities.
A potter using a wheel begins with a compressed clay ball, shaping it by hand as the wheel spins. The wheel’s stability and controlled speed are crucial for the forms achievable, demanding considerable skill and practice. Once formed, the piece must dry before further sculpting, decorating, and firing.
Conversely, a potter using a clay 3D printer designs a form in CAD software and prepares the 3D model for printing. Setting printer speed and material extrusion rate are critical for print accuracy and require expertise. The clay is loaded into a container, ready for printing. The printer then builds the form layer by layer using a coiling method. Post-printing, the piece requires drying, potential smoothing or sculpting, decoration, and firing.
Surprisingly, creating a piece with a 3D printer can often be more time-consuming than using a pottery wheel. The common misconception that 3D printing equates to mass production is inaccurate, especially in studio pottery. Mass production requires large industrial machinery and extensive resources, beyond the scope of a single potter using a studio clay 3D printer.
Collapsed clay 3D print during printing process by Hendrien Horn
Collection of vases broken during kiln firing by Hendrien Horn
Earthenware Clay 3D Print artwork by Hendrien Horn
Fossil 24 Stoneware clay 3D print art by Hendrien Horn
Consider slip casting: potters pour liquid clay into molds to create uniform shapes, either as individual pieces or for multiples. This technique shares similarities with repeatedly 3D printing a form or using a 3D-printed object to create a plaster mold for slip casting.
3D printing is widely recognized for rapid prototyping, enabling makers to quickly produce items compared to outsourcing manufacturing. Hobbyists often opt for affordable FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers. However, clay 3D printing differs significantly from filament 3D printing. While both printer types perform additive manufacturing, their mechanisms are distinct. Clay 3D printers utilize air pressure or mechanical systems to extrude clay, without requiring heat.
Contrary to common assumptions, achieving filament 3D printer precision in clay prints is exceptionally challenging.
Tom Lauerman using a 2-color clay printer
Clay 3D prints created with dual extrusion ceramic 3D printer by Tom Lauerman
Profile portrait of Tom Lauerman, clay 3D printing artist
Two-tone color print option b using clay 3D printer
Two-tone colour print using ceramic 3D printing technology
Tom Lauerman, an artist and Penn State University professor, has dedicated years to refining clay 3D printing techniques. Early in his experimentation, when clay 3D printing was nascent, he faced criticism for seemingly mimicking plastic printers. Lauerman questioned, “Why not?” and pursued geometric clay sculptures with remarkable precision, even by today’s standards. He notes that calibrating his custom-built dual extrusion clay 3D printer was complex and time-intensive, requiring careful consideration of design challenges before 3D model creation and printing.
Marlieke Wijnakker, co-founder of VormVrij®, which designs and builds LUTUM® clay 3D printers, uses the technology to add intricate detail to sculptural busts. Using 3D scans of subjects, she creates 3D models printed in clay, then hand-sculpts fine details that the printer can’t achieve. Her portrait busts offer a modern approach to portraiture, appealing to those who prefer not to sit for traditional, lengthy sittings.
Marlieke Wijnakker in her VormVrij® studio
Portrait of Marlieke Wijnakker, ceramic 3D printing artist
It’s crucial to acknowledge artists who bridge diverse artistic domains, even if their methods aren’t universally embraced. Their ability to innovate should prompt inquiry. As a contemporary artist, embracing this inquisitive mindset has broadened my appreciation for art forms I might have previously overlooked.
Ryan Barrett, winner of the Great Pottery Throwdown 2017, is another potter who built his own ceramic 3D printer. He creates stunning, tapestry-like works composed of over 10,000 clay coil layers, reflecting his passion for textile design in vibrant and detailed compositions. His work initially appears familiar, but closer inspection reveals intricate designs and meticulous detail.
Ryan Barrett, ceramic 3D printing artist
Ryan Barrett in his studio working with clay 3D printer
Porcelain Clay artwork by Ryan Barrett created with 3D printer
Design choices should always be deliberate. Whether hand-sculpting or designing in 3D software, artists consciously shape ideas. My aim isn’t to convince everyone that clay 3D printing is essential, nor to argue for its superiority over traditional techniques. Instead, I advocate for considering and understanding clay 3D printing before dismissing it outright.
Regardless of technique, clay as a material is inherently unpredictable, recording the artist’s process, with the kiln ultimately influencing the final outcome. Cracking, breakage, or explosions in the kiln are universal experiences for potters—a common ground we all share!
Hendrien Horn is an award-winning artist and author, and South Africa’s first contemporary clay 3D printing artist. Based in Pretoria, she conducts pottery workshops and has exhibited extensively across South Africa, receiving the Corobrik Award at the 2022 Ceramic Southern Africa National Competition. Her artwork “Plutonic Form: Existing in the Abstract” is part of the Pretoria Art Museum’s permanent collection. Hendrien also delivers talks nationally and offers online courses for beginner potters and clay 3D printing enthusiasts. Her book, “Let’s Clay 3D Print! A Guidebook,” launched on July 5th, featuring insights from clay 3D printing artists and industry experts worldwide.
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Photos are courtesy of the artists.
Tags: Hendrien HornJonathan KeepMarlieke WijnakkerRyan BarrettTaekyeom LeeTom Lauerman
