Ann Marie Shillito: contemporary designer maker/jeweller, honorary research fellow Edinburgh College of Art, author of ‘Digital Crafts: Industrial Technologies for Applied Artists and Designer Makers’, founder/CEO of Anarkik3D Ltd, a software development company. (Anarkik3DDesign is a haptic 3D modelling programme we developed – I love using it).

I switched from batch production to bespoke pieces, 3D printing with recycled filament, to add value to waste materials, to keep out of landfill for as long as possible as plastic is a precious resource. Recently I started to braid with plarn (plastic yarn), introduced during a mini residency with fellow AAS member, Allison Macleod in 2024.

I am a member of AAS’s Older Makers Group & Closing the Loop group which explores & supports makers’ sustainable practise, & their responsible & active environmentalism.

Bit more background:
1989: Scottish Development Agency grant to research laser-cutting refractory metals/learn 2D computer aided designing (CAD)
1997: Scottish Arts Council Individual Development award to learn 3D digital designing/3D printing for limited production.
1999: 2006: practice-led Research Fellowship at ECA (investigating 3D virtual touch [haptics] as a better interface for working in 3D.
2007: jointly found Anarkik3D Ltd, collaborating with computer scientist, using my knowledge as practicing designer maker to help develop 3D haptic modelling software for applied artists and designer makers.