Lithobox Exploring Hybrid Crafting Practices through a Collaboration across Digital Fabrication and Fine Arts

New digital and physical fabrication tools are increasingly being integrated with traditional craft techniques to enable hybrid crafting practices. Inspired by the traditional lithophane technique whereby designs are molded in porcelain and visible only when backlit, the authors developed Lithobox: a software system, physical kit and workflow for creating illuminated 3D-printed lithophanes. They explored Lithobox as a creative tool in workshops with nine artists and presented the finished 3D-printed lithophanes and software tool as part of an international art exhibition. Through these collaborations and creative interactions, the authors’ work reveals how the amalgamation of material, technology and productive constraints can influence current art practices.