Workshop to make your own plotter

A few weeks ago, José finished a workshop were participants could make their own plotter (at CC Convent de Sant Agustí, Barcelona), where he shared his knowledge about the world of plotters. He created his own plotter, using 3D printing and laser cutting to create each piece.

The workshop consisted of guiding each participant in building their own drawing plotter, which they could take home with them.

On the last day of the course, I was able to visit the group and see their excitement at seeing the device draw. I found it very interesting that one of the reflections that came up was: ‘you have to put in hours to get a good image’. This phrase connected me with the comments about when AI-generated images emerged. It seems that machines perform ‘magic’ and we forget the creative (human) work behind any creation.

When offering this type of course, you have to accept that each plotter (and the process of the people participating) will be unique... And when working with technology, it is normal for frustration to arise... And... it is part of the maker spirit: it is what drives you to continue exploring, learning to solve the surprises that arise along the way.

It was quite a challenge for José to present this workshop, as after so many years of tinkering, much of the knowledge acquired through creation, trial and error is taken for granted. It was undoubtedly a shared experience and a mutual learning opportunity.

Thank you to all the people who join the workshop, for their interest and patience! :)

Following José's process of preparing this course and helping participants learn how to use the plotter made me appreciate his experience and passion for sharing his knowledge about the maker world.

This is how ‘Plotter Spectrum’ was born.

“Plotter Spectrum” – What is it?

Plotter Spectrum is a hybrid ecosystem combining a printed zine, a digital archive and a series of events designed to explore the intersection between algorithms and organic lines. In a world saturated with perfect digital images, we return to the analogue to understand the physics of movement and the “magic” of CNC machines.

It is not merely a technical compendium; it is a laboratory that connects precision engineering with the sensibility of art. The plotter is seen both as a tool and as a bridge for sharing knowledge, thoughts and visions on installation, mechanisms and generative art.

Each edition functions as a living archive that documents emerging practices and opens up space for new collaborations.

As well as purchasing the zine individually, it is possible to participate as a Member through the online community, where exclusive content, processes, open questions and spaces for exchange between participants will be shared.

Who is it for?

• People interested in generative art and digital art. Particularly those who want to explore the world of plotter/CNC machines in greater depth:

• Technical professionals who want to approach technology in a more creative way

• Creative professionals who want to learn technical concepts or tools that can enhance their creative/artistic practice

• Digital artists who work with plotters and want to share related ideas and projects within a community

Not only on a technical level, but also projects that intersect in some way, whether through installation, art, mechanisms…

How you can join the online community

• By buying the plotter spectrum zine

• Ask for discord acces at liquidexperimentalmedia@gmail.com

• Participating in the activites organized