How does attempting to model an object compare to simply viewing one in an exhibition?
Usually, modeling an object forces the modeler to take even the smallest details into account. The modeler wants to create a near-perfect copy of the object, and being detail oriented is a requirement for the piece to turn out well. On the other hand, viewing an object is not so constraining. The viewer has the freedom to decide how in-depth they want to explore the object. They can glance at it and keep walking or take hours looking at every angle part of the piece.
Does the process of photogrammetry encourage close looking and attention to details you might otherwise have ignored?
Photogrammetry encourages close looking simply through the fact that the photographer has to take pictures from so many different angles of the object. I feel like no “normal” observer would look at an object from that many angles. I don’t actually believe that photogrammetry would lead to discovering any details that a person looking closely at that object would’ve seen, in fact I think it’s the opposite. Taking photos encourages people to take photos, not look at the object in a detailed and curious way. Even after making a 3d model, I don’t think any details would arise that a skilled in-person observer couldn’t catch.
Does engaging with objects in this way make you more curious about this (and/or other) things, as well as the stories they can tell?
Creating a 3d model of this object did not make me more curious about the object. Because of the nature of photogrammetry, it doesn’t really matter what object is in front of me, all I need to do is take pictures of it.
How does moving from passive observer to active modeler change your thinking on communicating about art and history to various publics?
Being the modeler is a unique perspective. I want to be as accurate as possible so the people viewing my model can get a real sense of what the object is like. I felt very cautious while editing the object because I didn’t want to edit it in a way that was too different from the original piece.
