Fine Arts

Emily Whiting

Associate Professor of Computer Science

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Independent Funding Available, Potential for UROP Funding, Potential for Academic Credit

Overview

Textile Simulation for Ceramic Design

This project explores a novel intersection of computer graphics and ceramics. Our lab (https://shape.bu.edu/) has developed software and simulation tools for modeling the draping and stretching behavior of textiles. We are seeking a fine arts student with ceramics experience to investigate how these textile simulations can be used as a design tool for ceramic forms.

The student will experiment with using textiles as flexible, non-traditional molds for slip casting, developing a practical pipeline for casting with fabric-based forms. This includes generating textile designs using our simulation software, fabricating and casting physical prototypes, and evaluating the resulting ceramic outcomes. The project will culminate in documentation and reporting results on successes, challenges, and design insights.

Ideal background: Ceramics and slip casting experience; curiosity about digital tools and experimental fabrication.

Time commitment: 10–15 hours per week.