One of the wonderful things about SketchFab is that it conveniently lets us embed 3D objects in a way most convenient for our specific purposes. In this case I am going to embed our mystery vase and, for the first time, embed a second vase uploaded by a different user to see how our objects compare and contrast.
Here is the second vase that was captured and uploaded by Kalen J. Scott:
There ae many similarities such as the shape and basic colors used. But, there are also distinct differences in the apparent complexity of the paintings. While students could find both similarities and differences using 2D visualization, they become even more apparent and useful when the vases are viewed in 3D. Not only can ALL sides be viewed; but, the SketchFab viewer allows the student to zoom in for more detailed comparisons.
One of the things that immediately strikes me is that while the paintings vary widely in terms of details. But, the basic shape of the vases is very close. This begs the question, are the potter and the painter different persons? Did one potter feed vases off to a group of painters, with individuals within the group having different levels of skills or different assignments for creating works having different values? If the differences relate to skill levels, what are the defining characteristics of those different skill levels? If the differences related to the goal of creating vases having different price levels, how might each vase be viewed by a perspective buyer and used in a household?
The questions are endless once we have the benefit of viewing each artifact side by side and can choose our own points of comparison for examining each feature in whatever level of detail that our curiosity demands. And, the privilege of each teaching is to be the mentor that encourages that curiosity to continually grow, however incrementally.
SketchFab is an amazing tool. And, for me, it is a tool that provides me with a cherished link to special people of the past who created something they viewed as simply utilitarian and temporary; but, we know as timeless reflections of their life and work. The more I browse the 3D visualizations of antiquities on SketchFab, from a wide variety of cultures and time periods, the more I want to know the people and customs behind them,
I love it!
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Mystery Vase #4: Using SketchFab for Deeper Inspection
Once we have an actual 3D model created, whether created from a 3D scanner or a photogrammetry application like 3DF Zephyr, we need some means for our students to fully explore the model.
Fortunately, there is a wonderful solution brought to us called SketchFab. Once uploaded to SketchFab, not only can our students see it in full rotational view; but, students all over the world can examine it as well. Moreover, the SketchFab platform even allows us to embed their engine into blogs like this.
Pretty cool!
But, now let's see how this new way to view our mystery vase can help us develop better observational skills. For instance, this vase appears to have been reconstructed from several pieces. Can you find the glued seams and, if so, can we determine how many pieces were found and glued together for this reconstruction.
Next, we might move on to seeing if we can discover the painting technique used to decorate this piece. What features are painted? And, which are not? What does this seem to say about the skill of the painter.
As is plain to see, having the ability to roll the object around AND zoom in on particular features is amazingly fun and productive!
In future posts we will compare this vase to other scanned vases purportedly from 300-400BC to see if this vase fits into that time period. It's actually tougher to determine than one might think; but, that's the fun of the hunt!
NOTE: we need to point out that SketchFab is new to us. So, as we learn more about how to get the most out of it, we will share that information with you. The goal is for ALL of us to get better using the tools that can help change the lives of at-risk students. We are VERY excited by the potential.
Fortunately, there is a wonderful solution brought to us called SketchFab. Once uploaded to SketchFab, not only can our students see it in full rotational view; but, students all over the world can examine it as well. Moreover, the SketchFab platform even allows us to embed their engine into blogs like this.
Pretty cool!
But, now let's see how this new way to view our mystery vase can help us develop better observational skills. For instance, this vase appears to have been reconstructed from several pieces. Can you find the glued seams and, if so, can we determine how many pieces were found and glued together for this reconstruction.
Next, we might move on to seeing if we can discover the painting technique used to decorate this piece. What features are painted? And, which are not? What does this seem to say about the skill of the painter.
As is plain to see, having the ability to roll the object around AND zoom in on particular features is amazingly fun and productive!
In future posts we will compare this vase to other scanned vases purportedly from 300-400BC to see if this vase fits into that time period. It's actually tougher to determine than one might think; but, that's the fun of the hunt!
NOTE: we need to point out that SketchFab is new to us. So, as we learn more about how to get the most out of it, we will share that information with you. The goal is for ALL of us to get better using the tools that can help change the lives of at-risk students. We are VERY excited by the potential.
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