"Fragments" is an ongoing edition of sand grain sculptures, each enlarged 100-500 times. The edition format allows systematic exploration of grain diversity-angular quartz shards, rounded basalt fragments, pitted limestone particles. Each sculpture starts with nano-CT scanning at sub-micron resolution, capturing surface topology invisible to standard microscopy. The scale range permits varied display sizes while preserving microscopic detail. Sand prints sand: the recursive material logic extends throughout the Field of Fragments exhibition. Lee's grain selection emphasizes detritus characteristics-evidence of transport, weathering, fracture. Reiner processes DICOM data through computational workflows calibrated for each scale factor. The open-ended edition structure expands as compelling specimens emerge. At 100-500x enlargement, grains transition from microscopic to sculptural presence.
Research: The 100-500x scale range allows flexibility from detailed tabletop pieces to substantial sculptures. Each grain's DICOM data undergoes mesh optimization specific to its enlargement factor. Smaller scales allow higher resolution retention; larger scales require selective decimation. The computational pipeline balances surface fidelity against printability constraints-minimum feature size, support requirements, assembly considerations. The ongoing series demonstrates the range of geological processes encoded in sand: transport distance, mineral composition, erosion mechanisms.
Photography: Marcus Schneider
