Robbie Jenkins: building organic sculptures using mycelium
Let’s get to know him
Robbie Jenkins aka @equa1e1even is a 3D artist based in east London and has worked across a number of creative industries in various roles — from graphic designer, 3D visualiser to exhibition designer. For the past 6 years he has been with the London based 3D print company, Hobs3D. He joined the company as a 3D print technician and is now Production Manager, overseeing the 3D Print and Modelmaking departments.
He was introduced to 3D CAD software (Rhino) in 2005 whilst studying Fine Art Sculpture at Camberwell by his housemates who were studying Product Design at Central Saint Martins. In the beginning, he used it to design his sculptures. Instead of making maquettes, he would CAD model and produce CGI renders — much to the dismay of his tutors. Back then, digital tools and processes were not common within Fine Art institutions, so were neither fully understood nor accepted.
Coming across Scan The World
Robbie first came across Scan The World whilst searching online for 3D models. In his early years working as a freelance graphic designer, he would often incorporate 3D rendered elements into his designs so was always on the lookout for high quality assets.
In 2018, he met Jon Beck (founder of STW) during a visit to Hobs3D and got to hear more about STW’s mission to create a community platform that gives open access to a world of cultural heritage.
Finding his muse
“The main inspiration for this project came from a pivotal conversation I had with a close friend, who accused me of ‘putting them on a pedestal’.
At the time, I certainly couldn’t deny this and nor did I want to. I feel it’s essential that we have people that we hold in high regard and admire, as they help to motivate and give us something to support. In artistic terms, they function as a source of inspiration and would be considered a ‘muse’.”
This idea of pedestals, support and elevating what we believe in, led to architectural columns — as they provide physical, structural support.
In the case of Classical Greek Architecture, the period was defined by three distinctive styles — Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Each style is featured within this project to show the design progression and is intended to represent our own experience of individual development and personal growth.
Joining the digital world with one of the most physical and organic things, why?
There is an enjoyable sense of freedom when working between the digital and physical environment. With this flexibility, Robbie combines contrasting and contradictory themes. With his Mycelium columns, he has created ancient relics using modern technology and cast them in a very temporary, natural material. Working digitally helps to expand the design process by offering a variety of methods to communicate ideas in very efficient and convincincing ways but for now, the most realistic and authentic way to experience sculpture is to do so physically.
“I always find great pleasure making with my hands and I’ve come to the realization that I often gain more satisfaction from the ‘process of making’ than the final product/artwork itself. That is to say, the process is the artwork and the sculpture is the by-product.”
For this reason, Robbie produces work that is sustainable, from materials that are easily recycled and what he creates is often gifted away.
Let’s have a look at the process!
Creating four-part moulds:
Printing the moulds in SLA resin and used to cast two different types of mycelium substrate:
Letting the mycelium grow within the mould for 3–5 days, allowing it to bind all of the substrate together and fill the shape of the mould:
Taking the column out of the mould and incubating it for another 1–2 days to allow the mycelium to form a skin:
Allowing the final product to dry naturally, this results in different fungus to develop and mushrooms (which are the fruiting part of mycelium) to form:
How about your favourite Scan The World sculpture?
“This is an impossible question, there are so many incredible scans.
I was very pleased when Rodin’s sculptures were included earlier this year, particularly ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Earth and The Moon’. As for many art kids growing up, his work ignited my passion for fine art, figurative sculpture.
But If I could only choose one, it would have to be ‘Mummy Cat’ from the British Museum. It’s such a unique artifact and the texture of the linen bandages is captured beautifully.”
