Rachel Lee- Looking Outwards 05- Section E

Michael Theodore’s robotic scratchboard drawings was a project done in collaboration with engineers at the Boulder Engineering Studio. The artists created and programmed a robotic arm via code to etch unique line and pattern formations of black ink into white clay. I really admire how Theodore was able to emulate the gestural and whimsical quality of hand drawing, without having mechanically generated drawings appear as too stiff, and even taking the potential of 3D drawing further than the human hand could produce via texture, pattern and rhythm. I think that Theodore was able to effectively use technology to push the boundaries of his own thematic interests (the human perceptual experience), by harnessing the capabilities of robotics to depict sensitivities and intricacies. Further, the artist’s sensibilities are evident based on the density and thickness of strokes, which create dynamism and movement within the composition.