FROGBlog - 3D Foam Carving Central

While not necessarily foam carving related, Streamline Automation client Bollinger Atelier recently completed a unique project with the FROG3D® system that's worth sharing. Recording artist Bjork's most recent video and album artwork sees her wearing/playing a fully functional and tuned harp belt.

Fabricated for New York based fashion label threeASFOUR, Bollinger Atelier used their FROG3D® system to create the sculpture/instrument in wood (showing that the system is capable of carving a range of mediums beyond foam). While it's functionality as an instrument is clear, no word on how good this particular belt is at holding up a pair of pants.

Check out Bjork's video featuring the harp belt here.

The pictures below show the final product, along with the piece being milled on the FROGMill™ foam router and also a screen shot of the piece in the design software.

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The Phantom Warrior is the symbol of the III Corps, a corps of the US Army headquartered at Fort Hood, Texas. Symbolizing the power, strength and maneuverability of this heavy armored corps, the Warrior is a pretty impressive and intimidating character.

FROG3D® client Deep in the Heart Art Foundry was commissioned to create a huge bronze version of the Warrior to stand at the entrance of the III Corps' headquarters. The statue casts an impressive shadow to say the least. The pictures below show the final product, along with the foam enlargement of the piece, which served as a base for the molding process. Thanks to their FROG3D® system, Deep in the Heart is able to create their foam enlargements with an efficient process that offers perfect scale and accuracy. Just sayin'.

I bet this mascot could beat up your mascot.

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Located in Bastrop, Texas, Deep in the Heart Art Foundry (DITH) has established a strong reputation for their phenomenal craftsmanship and large-scale work.  They are a full service foundry that can take care of everything from project conception to installation, with stunning results.

DITH have generously shared production photos from some of their recent projects. These photos not only show what DITH is capable of, but they also give a good overview of the process and the role that 3D foam carving plays early on. Deep in the Heart uses the FROG3D® foam carving system to create their enlargements in foam, which then serve as a foundation for the molding process.

The project below is an exact replica of the Texas Tech class ring, but just a bit bigger than you might expect. Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 2 tons, it's aptly nicknamed 'Two Tons of Tradition'. The shots below provide a glimpse into the process.

Check out DITH at their website www.deepintheheart.net, and look for more of their highlighted work here in the near future.

Foam enlargement (created using the FROG3D® system)...


Prepping the foam...


Creating the mold...


After patina...


Installation...


Check out the school's perspective in this video. Read more

To show that FROG3D® has a refined side, we put it to work milling a bust of Beethoven. We're not that into classical music, but wasn't he the fellow that recorded 'Whoomp, There It Is'? Regardless, he's looking good.
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We've managed to fit one more FROG3D® installation in before Christmas. We've got more lined up, but apparently our techs would like to celebrate Christmas. Go figure. This last installation of the year took our tech Jeremy to St. Louis to set up yet another client with our system - seems that the word is getting around. Jeremy was a busy guy getting everything up and running, but he managed to take in a few sites, including the Gateway Arch and a St.Louis Blues hockey game. Good times.
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Every year the people of Thailand celebrate their King's birthday in style. As part of the festivities, homes and buildings around the country are decorated in yellow, while thousands of marigolds fill the streets around the Grand Palace in Bangkok in honor of the world's longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

With these themes in mind, FROG3D® client Q-Group created a spectacular project on the Krungsri building that looks great during the day, but that really shines at night. An awesome work of art, but also a great way to say Happy Birthday to King Adulyadej.
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We normally like to show some pics from the area where each FROG3D® system is being installed. Given that last week's install was for a client in our home town of Calgary, our techs didn't really feel inclined to see the sights. This was quite disappointing for Vanessa, until she learned that she would be wearing a hard hat and fancy reflective vest for the install. You can see the happiness on her face.
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Last week FROG3D® was on the road again to yet another new installation just outside of San Antonio, Texas. Welcome to our new clients Rhino Engineered Art - a unique company that specializes in a range of creative applications, from public art to architectural concrete. We look forward to highlighting their work in the future. While the trip was all about getting Rhino up and running, it wouldn't have been a trip to Texas without some Texas BBQ and a side trip to the Alamo. Our tech Jeremy can confirm that, yes, the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas.

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