The sculptor Joshua Harker had a dream of getting his ”powerfully delicate, completely bitchin cool”, 3D printed, skull seen and collected by more people.
My Crania Anatomica Filligre, he's looking at you...
He used Kickstarter, a crowdfunding site for creative projects to achieve this. Kickstarter allows the artist to get the capital they need without sacrificing ownership or control. The project must reach it’s goal before any money changes hands, to protect investors and allow creators to test concepts without the risk.
Yorick in his cloche
Amazingly the Crania Anatomica Filigre project got 100% of the funding withing the first 8 hours and has since raised over $77,271.
Once I had read the story and saw how beautiful it was, I ‘needed’ one for the cabinet of curiosities I would like to have in my studio, I think he will will fit right in. The filigree structure has a paper like quality and is so delicate and intricate. The sculpture is available in three sizes, mine is the smallest and fits into the palm of my hand. I would love to see the largest, lifesize one!
Apparently he’s fairly durable, but I don’t want to test that, so I’ve bought a little domed display case to keep him safe.
I think the cloche makes him look a little creepier, but I quite like that, what do you think?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
How very unique – do you have an office full of quirky artefacts? :)
I have to admit that I have a strange obsession with quirky bits and pieces, the weirder the better. I grew up surrounded by nature on the moor, next to a reservoir and was always finding interesting things. Sometimes bits of old pottery and glass, but usually animals bones much to my mother’s horror! I keep my collection confined to the office, don’t want to scare visitors ;)
Ooooh, an interesting post Kelly. Quite a quirky design almost a lace looking. Good find Kelly :-)
Thanks Mary, yes it does have a look of lace, feels almost as delicate too!
What is it about skulls. I’m covering an interview with a really interesting artist next week and he’s also doing skulls at the moment (which won’t be in my post). Is it the Damien Hirst after effect? Am not the biggest fan of them.
Love Kickstarter. Such a fantastic invention. Always happy to support great projects.
Thanks for your comments Tina, I thought this would be a love it/hate it kind of post!
Personally, I’ve always had a fascination with skulls and anatomical art, and I think the reason this one appealed to me was because it is anatomically accurate and the colour and texture of the sculpting material really works.
My skull obsession began long before Damien Hirst, but he has done a good job of putting me off them. The pink flocked and diamond encrusted monstrosities you see in shops like Dwell are clearly influenced by him and wouldn’t get a look in on anything I designed.
I look forward to reading your skull-less post on colourliving!
I’ve heard of Kickstarter, but didn’t know anything about it.
Thank you for explaining it and providing the link.
I love his sculpture…and I really love how you are displaying it in the glass dome. I think it enhances the work.
Wishing you all the best,
Mary (from BYW 2.0)
No worries Mary, My sister thinks it looks too creepy in the dome but I really like it too!
I really appreciate you popping over and taking the time to leave a comment :)
Looking forward to the new BYW lessons today! Kellyx