Skip to main content

Edward Gomez

Assistant Professor, Department of Art and Design | CSU San Bernardino

 

Digital fabrication—in which digital technology is used to design and make art—is booming, not least because it can be used to create both fine art and commercial art applications. CSU San Bernardino's​ Digital Electronic Fabrication Technology Lab provides the tools and fabrication processes so students can learn to merge traditional and digital methods for making art.

“The use of computers and computer-controlled machines does not make you a better artist or designer," says Professor Edward Gomez. “What it does allow for is a faster rate of production for the completion of creative solutions. 

"The old physical challenges that creatives had to overcome—mainly manual dexterity, [learning] skill and craftsmanship—are now replaced with the need to understand computer software applications, material properties and the manual operation of computer-controlled machines to complete the work."

“Digital fabrication allows for greater speed in the physical production of designs, but the emphasis should still be ground​ed in form, function and intent."

Click each photo to read a description of the tools.

“Although welding gloves do protect your hands from getting burned during most welding applications, you also have to be aware to not exceed their proper use. They're not fully heatproof and you still have to take precautions and stop any activity you're doing when you feel the heat transfer through your gloves. They're also not recommended for metal casting; we only use them for MIG (metal inert gas) welding and brazing."

“Welding masks are used to protect your face, eyes and neck from intense light and heat while welding metals together. We have a studio safety and materials pamphlet we go over as a class on the first day, which covers all the tools and equipment in the studio as well as what clothing and safety gear is needed for each activity.  We also go over what you should and should not do for each activity when working in the studios. Students have to demonstrate the ability to use each piece of equipment properly before they can work individually in the studio. "

“A student created this sign for CSUSB's Digital Electronic Fabrication Technologies lab. The digital file was created with Adobe Illustrator, which is a vector-drawing application, and fabricated with the Laguna Tools CNC (computer numerical control) machine. The vector file is then sent to a different computer software that the CNC machine reads and performs etching and carving operations. The letters on the sign were carved into the surface, filled in with colored resin and sanded smooth."

“The handheld angle grinder is used to remove rust and create a clean surface for welding."

“An angle grinder can be fitted with various abrasives in order to prepare metal surfaces for welding. It's also used after the metal welding process to remove excess metal from welds and create a smooth surface."

“The router bits in our CNC router system are used to cut, carve or etch various materials. Currently, our CNC router system can cut a wide variety of wood-based products up to six inches in thickness. We also have the ability to fabricate with a wide variety of plastics like acrylic. And with the cold compressed air gun attachment and metal milling bits, we can cut soft metals like aluminum. For most of our prototyping, we use MDF (medium-density fibreboard) and polystyrene products."

“This 3D furniture model was created with Fusion 360, a 3D modeling software by Autodesk. Students have the option to 3D print out their 3D models in plastic and then laser cut small-scale models before creating the final work on the CNC machine. The ability to design using computers and fabricate those designs is a valuable skill set that gives the students a tremendous advantage in the creative economy."

“MIG welding is used to weld two metal pieces together. The MIG welding projects we do are with steel or stainless steel materials. The knowledge and skill set the students learn allow them to proficiently create metal-based art objects. They can further apply their knowledge toward welding certification courses for professional work as a welder. "

“I created 'The Pale Horse' in 2016. It was 3D-modeled and CNC'd five inches at a time out of polystyrene and stacked together. I showed it at the Steppling Art Gallery at San Diego State, Imperial Valley Campus, the Torrance Art Museum and the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art for my solo show titled 'Horsemen.'"

​
Previous: “Cleaner” Dirt Next: “Cleaner” Dirt Back to the Studio

Story: Michelle McCarthy

photoGRAPHY: Patrick Record

Share this story

facebook sharing button Share
twitter sharing button Tweet
email sharing button Email
linkedin sharing button Share