Sand Painter was a large-scale installation exhibited at SIGGRAPH 2004, which created algorithmic patterns by depositing white silica sand onto a black surface approx. 12’ x 18’. The project combined a custom-fabricated motion platform, custom deposition system, and software tooling to explore ephemeral image-driven patterning at architectural scale.

I developed the computational interface that converted images into machine control instructions, translating digital data into physical sand patterns. This project represents an early exploration in my work combining digital representation, fabrication systems, and design tooling.

Sandpainter project photograph.

Sandpainter project showing the machine and its output during a print. Image editing via vacuum.

The core concept was initiated by artist Dan Collins, with additional collaborators contributing to CNC hardware, deposition mechanism, and integration.

Credits:

  • Concept & direction: Dan Collins
  • Computational workflow & CNC integration: Makai Smith
  • Deposition process and nozzle integration: Gene Cooper
  • Image dithering: Karl Lang
  • System integration and assembly: Byron Lahey, James Stewart, Scott Van Note
sand painter on wikipedia entry for siggraph conference

The Sandpainter, featured on the SIGGRAPH Wikipedia page, depicting a foreshortened self-portrait.