Selected Works

1. Early Bird

Asym-Ovoid
5051 aluminum, basswood (ply), balsa wood, string, tracing paper.
2025

Inspired by the early days of aviation and the human desire for flight, Asym-Ovoid explores traditional aeronautical construction methods through the delicate nature of an egg.

Jesse was invited to create this sculpture for “Early Bird,” a group show at Palo Galley (NYC) curated by Sascha Lewit. The show navigates the significance of birds in art and culture throughout history.

2. Fossilization

Fossil No.1
7071 Aluminum, Plaster, Sand, Rock, Dirt
2025

This is the first work from an ongoing series of sculptures that attempts to imagine the reminisce of our society and technological advancements.

Fossil No.1 is a CNC machined, A.I. (topological) optimized bracket for a robotic arm that was damaged in the manufacturing process.

3. Generation

Re-Rorschach
Generative Visualization of Emotion
2025

Inspired by the Rorschach test, this project evokes a visual response to emotion rather than provoking an emotional response to imagery (as in the original Rorschach test). The system generates these images by distilling the user's input into basic key words that determine the placement, size, density, and opacity of the “ink blots.”

4. Home Grown

Algae Grow Sytem v1
Steel, PETG, 6061 aluminum, silicone, glass, misc. electronics
2025

This prototype was created to test the effectiveness of a small-scale radial algae growth system.

The goal of this project is to passively capture the energy absorbed by lamp shades and redirect it into either nutrients or fuel, both of which can be derived from various species of algae. At the least, having something growing helps scrub the air of CO2 while emitting oxygen into the room.

5. Proof of Concept

“PBR” System
Wood, glass, rubber tubing, wire, ceramic, misc. electronics
2022

The PBR system is a functional sculpture built to communicate the concept of aquaponics through a common and accessible visual language.

Beer cans are used as the growing vessels, all the plumbing is done in clear tubing so viewers can follow the flow of water, and a system of truss structures are used to relate the system to urban architectural features (bridges, water towers, scaffolding, etc.).

6. Robots Need to Have Fun Too

Ritual Objects (future)
Aluminum, steel
2024

The great human dialog speaks though ritual objects. Whether it's a metal and silicone box that humans stare into seeking "ultimate knowledge,” or ancient wooden crosses weaponized to ward off the Ouga-Wooga spirits, we love our things. Always have, and always will. 2025 is the dawn of artificial intelligence, and we have to ask: What will robots love? What will their rituals be, and what objects will they worship?

Jesse has been crafting and testing various geometry with a range of robots, so far the results have been nothing but disappointing. These objects seem to be treated as merely toys, and maybe that's a good thing. Robots need to have fun too.

7. Protecting Precision

Ruler Scabbard
Mahogany, Ash [wood]
2024

Precision instruments are to be treated delicately and with respect as to not tarnish their usefulness. This form of protecting rulers was inspired by Shikomizue, a plain scabbard used to transport or store katanas in order to protect them from oxidation or other damage. In this case, the scabbard also protects other items from being damaged or scratched by the sharp corners of the rulers while transporting them in a bag. The stand was designed to display the stored rulers in a way that pays homage to traditional Katana-Kake (sward stand) while using western construction methods.

8. Generative Design

Generative A.I. Components for Robotics
Autodesk Fusion 360 “Generative”
2023

Robot Parts designed by Jesse with Autodesk Fusion 360 “Generative Design.”

© Richard J. Baltazar 2025