MY LAST TWO BRAIN CELLS

Digital Bodies

Research & Ideation

Research on artists or projects that work with the human body. This week, I explored how artists integrate the human body into their work, from anatomical studies to abstract representations. I found inspiration in projects like Stelarc's "Exoskeleton" and Antony Gormley’s sculptures, which use body forms to question identity, space, and the relationship between technology and flesh. These works encourage me to reflect on how the body can be both a subject and a medium, blending science and art in ways that push boundaries.

I used MakeHuman to prototype a stylized head and exported it as an .OBJ file. After importing it into Rhino, I adjusted the size and positioning to fit within my cardboard dimensions for laser cutting. This process allowed me to build a playful, layered sculpture that merges digital fabrication with humor and bodily abstraction.

References & Inspiration

Inspired by meridian charts and the internal functions of the human body. I’m interested in displaying what you don’t see—like pressure points for migraines and internal healing maps—by building digital body parts that feel emotional, reactive, and strange.

Process and Workflow

• Originally planned a full body scan of myself, but due to issues (like the scanner cutting off my feet), I transitioned to a digital human model instead.
• I focused on creating a head-only model that could be sliced and assembled.
• Sizing was adjusted in Rhino to ensure the pieces would fit on standard cardboard sheets.
• Slicing was done in Slicer for Fusion360 using stacked slice method.
  

File Preparation for Laser Cutting

After adjusting the model in Rhino, I exported it as an STL and imported it into Slicer for Fusion360. I chose the stacked slice method to match my 3mm cardboard material. The slices were exported as DXF files and imported into the laser cutter interface.

Laser Cutting: Workflow, Machine Settings, Material

This week, I worked with 3mm cardboard using the Speedy 400 laser cutter. I placed my material on the honeycomb bed and taped the edges down with masking tape. I manually adjusted the focus nozzle, performed a quick test cut to confirm the settings, then moved forward with the full cut.

Machine: Speedy 400
Material: 3mm cardboard
Hold method: Masking tape on edges
Focus: Manual with nozzle gauge

Cutting Settings:

Action	Power (%)	Speed (mm/s)	Frequency (Hz)	Passes
Vector Cut	~85%	~2 mm/s	1000 Hz	1

I spray painted the cut pieces hot pink before assembling, using super glue to bond each layer. I inserted two beads for eyes and added two marbles inside the head to create a sound when shaken—turning the head into a playful rattle.

Uploading 3D and 2D Files

Once the files were finalized, I uploaded the .OBJ and .STL 3D models along with the .DXF files for laser cutting. This ensures reproducibility and backup for future iteration.

• 🔗 OBJ Head Model
• 🔗 STL File
• 🔗 DXF Slices
• 🔗 PDF Layout
  

Building and Assembling the Head

After cutting the pieces, I followed the slice order to build the head from base to top. The glue process required precision to align each layer. The final sculpture—MY LAST TWO BRAIN CELLS—became a humorous artifact, combining digital tools with absurdist vibes and sound feedback.

Step 1

This model was made on MakeHuman

Step 2

The laser cut nesting was created using Rhino

Step 3

The laser cut pieces were generated using Slicer for Fusion360

Step 4

I spray painted the final stacked layers hot pink and added details like eyes (beads) and sound elements (marbles inside the head cavity).

3D Models

🎥 Watch the stop motion assembly on TikTok

@bishgosh Brad’s last two brain cells are giving!!! #lasercutting #designer #textiledesign #brad #artist ♬ original sound - Julia fox