The Fine Arts Department recently acquired a 3D printer through Li Hertzi, a resident artist at Malone.

The printer utilizes Blender, a computer program that makes 3D animation and small, plastic creations with the printer. Students use coordinates to create an object, or they can start with a blank sphere. Students can stretch and indent the sphere until they reach the desired shape.

The Fine Arts Department recently acquired a 3D printer through Li Hertzi, a resident artist at Malone. (Photo courtesy of Malone University Relations)

The art department has only created small items so far, such as gyros, a high-heeled shoe created by Li Hertzi, pieces of jewelry and a tiny magnifying glass for the Science Department.

“Traditional methods will not disappear, but creative expression in digital work is as much of a shift as the electric light bulb was to the kerosene lamp,” said Barbara Drennan, associate professor of art. “I do believe that digital formats for art are the wave of the present and future. This is definitely a generational and cultural shift.”

Art and math students, along with students from other majors, are using the printer. Any student can use the printer for a fee. Use of the printer costs art students about $2. The fee for other students is determined based on the amount of time and filament used.

Cathy Weyand is a staff writer for The Aviso AVW.