Frequently Asked Questions

What software do you use?

Mostly Rhinoceros. It's great for precise dimensioning of physical objects, which is why a lot of architects and product designers use it. It's got good scripting in Python, lots of C# hooks for when things need to go fast, and in Grasshopper it has one of the great node programming environments. There's a strong user base with lots of plug-ins, and it's well-balanced across NURBS and mesh tools, with some subdivision surface capability.

May I use images of your work?

Yes, though I would appreciate a mention of my name and/or bathsheba.com. If you need high-resolution images just ask. If you'd like a specific style of photo or render of a particular design, I may be able to do this for a fee.

Will you give a talk?

There's no harm in asking, but please don't take it personally if I decline. If you aren't local to Boston, please bear in mind that I travel only with expenses paid and only if it's actually fun.

Will you give me the STL file of a design?

You can use models here freely, and there are some at Thingiverse and a few other repos. Beyond that, I've licensed models for many uses, and if your plan is amusing or may generate cash, maybe I can help.

Please refrain from reverse engineering my designs. Doing so infringes my copyright and makes me unwilling to work with you in future.

I'm a retailer, can we do business?

My designs are expensive to produce, even as 3D prints go, and I don't have enough margin on most of them to offer anything like keystone pricing. I don't consign. I have worked with a few retailers and some have even made money over the years. If you feel it's worth asking, I can quote.

I'm launching a 3D printing store or community, will you join?

Maybe? It's fine to ask.

Do you take commissions?

You can ask, but please don't take it personally if I decline. I'm a slow worker and can't always design to spec: my head is often elsewhere.

Can you make bigger glass pieces?

The etching laser that I use can fire about 90mm into glass, so 100mm (4") is the largest useful thickness. Large optically clear blanks are expensive and very heavy: the largest piece I've worked on was 26" square by 4" deep, and the blank for that cost over $10,000. The largest pieces I have available are a 100 x 100 x 200mm tower, and 200 x 200 x 80mm slab, this last is already over 20 pounds.

My sculpture is dirty, how do I clean it?

Metal
Wash it, with soap if needed. If the inside is hard to get at, try a dishwasher. If it's rusty – this can happen in a corrosive environment such as the seashore – use a rust stripper. Anything with phosphoric acid should work, including Coke, and then applying a light oil such as 3-in-1 is a good way to protect the surface.

Or perhaps consider that you live on an oxygen-water planet and you own an iron-rich artifact: letting physics take its course and enjoying the rich patina of time are valid options.

Glass
Use a glass cleaner such as Windex to remove crud. It may be possible to buff out small scratches using a mild abrasive, such as toothpaste, with lots of elbow grease. (Google has advice on this.) If that's too much work, a little Pledge or other furniture polish can help hide light scratches.

Will you help me make something?

Metal
Only if I feel like it, it's fine to ask but please don't take it personally if I decline.

Glass
If it's science or math please visit CrystalProteins.com. I do mostly proteins and small molecules, plus many other kinds of 3D data can work.

If your design is a portrait, car, building, photo, or something else not scientific, my friends at 3D Crystal Awards may be able to help.

I'm writing a report, tell me something about what you do.

That's not a question.

If you have a question that doesn't seem to be answered on this site, you can ask. I can't answer general questions such as "how do you make your art", and "what is the relationship between art and mathematics". Specific questions such as "Was piece X inspired by katydid wings or artichoke leaves?" are more likely to get a useful response.

How can I stay in touch?

My news page has an RSS feed. I have Facebook, though as of 2024 it may not be long for this world, and I hang out on Mastodon as @bathsheba@mathstodon.xyz.