Nicholas Licausi says of his work…
“My artistic practice is driven by a fascination with emerging technologies and their capacity to redefine the frontiers of art, architecture, and design. Drawing from my architectural background, this body of work evolved directly from research titled “Stone Stitching: 3D Scanning, Additive Manufacturing, and Composite Masonry
Tectonics”.
I continually explore how to merge traditional methodologies with novel digital fabrication processes, directly questioning the perceived dichotomy between digital and analog art. On one side, I employ advanced parametric scripts to create intricate toolpaths for 3D-printed ceramic connectors, uniquely shaped to embrace 3D-scanned stones. On the other, I honor the rich history of traditional ceramics, meticulously fettling greenware, followed by bisque, glazing, and raku firing in a gas kiln. The raku firing process adds a deeply hands-on, traditional craft technique, imparting irregular texture and visual contrast. This interwoven approach yields sculptures that are both classic and contemporary. My work also embraces the ritualistic collection and personification of stones, drawing inspiration from the alphabetical naming conventions of hurricanes. Each raw, untouched stone is delicately cradled above the ground by these custom-designed ceramic connectors. Through this combination of digital precision and thehandcraft of ceramic 3D printing, my art seeks to reveal new harmonies and compositions, exploring the convergence of ancient materials and contemporary techniques.”
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Nicholas LiCausi is a designer and artist known for his work at the center of emerging technologies and creative practice, consistently pushing the boundaries of art, architecture, and design. As the Director of Fabrication at the Tulane School of Architecture, he oversees the Fabrication Labs and teaches workshops on
digital tools, animation, and advanced fabrication. Before taking on this role, he had practiced professionally in New York City, specializing in 3D printing, virtual reality, and other digital technologies.
LiCausi's artistic practice uniquely merges archaic building methodologies with novel digital fabrication processes. He explores the integration of tools such as 3D scanning, CNC routing, and robotic clay extrusion to produce innovative tectonic structures. His work has contributed to various projects in New Orleans, including collaborations with artists on fabrication planning, project managing design-build installations, and the 3D scanning and reproduction of architectural details for historic preservation.
A recent Master's in Architectural Research and Design graduate from Tulane University, LiCausi's thesis explored the integration of 3D scanning, parametric modeling, and additive manufacturing to create novel material assemblies of found stones and 3D-printed ceramic components, earning him the ARCC King Award for Excellence in Architectural & Environmental Design Research. This research directly informs his recent body of work, with two of his sculptures featured in the 2024 Louisiana Contemporary at the Ogden Museum and his solo thesis exhibition displayed at the AIA Center in New Orleans.