2019 WST Research Grant awarded to Andrew Etheridge, MFA, CCA, CFO, C.PED
Assessing FormLabs 3D Printing for Reengineering of Ocular Prostheses
We are excited to announce the 2019 WST Research Grant recipient — Andrew Etheridge! Andrew Etheridge, MFA, CFO, C.PED, CCA is a Certified Clinical Anaplastologist and active member of the International Anaplastology Association. From 2020-2021, his research project, Assessing FormLabs 3D Printing for the Reengineering of Ocular Prostheses, will investigate new materials for 3d printing of ocular prostheses and utilize 3d printing to improve efficiency in the mold-making and casting process for ocular prostheses. Andrew will be collaborating with Tim Currence and Devin Metcalfe of Fourth Seal Studios, a California-based company that specializes in fabrication of special effects prosthetic eyes. Project results will be shared during an IAA conference presentation and educational workshops.
This project will investigate new materials for 3d printing of ocular prostheses and utilize 3d printing to improve efficiency in the mold-making and casting process for ocular prostheses.
About Andrew & his Fourth Seal Studios Collaborators:
Andrew Etheridge, MFA, CCA, CFo Clinical Anaplastologist Andrew has been with the Anaplastology Clinic since 2012. He earned his BA at UNC-Wilmington and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro where he received his MFA in Studio Art. As an active member of the Durham Art Community, Andrew continues to create and exhibit his sculptural work. Andrew’s path met head on with the health field when his personal artwork took a medical route inspired by personal experiences with the health community.
Raised by a mother who spent her life as a nurse who now specializes as the Infection Control Co-ordinator at a hospital, Andrew knows the importance of first-rate healthcare and delivers compassionate care to all of his patients.
First finding work as head fabricator for a prosthetics and orthotics practice, Andrew learned to fabricate for healthcare before moving into the field of Anaplastology.
Under the guidance of Chief Anaplastologist, Jay McClennen, Andrew is honing his skills and gaining valuable clinical experience.
Being a food enthusiast and a banjo-lover makes Durham, NC an ideal place for Andrew to call home.
Devin Metcalf, BA Entertainment Design Tim Currence, BA Entertaintment Design
Fourth Seal Studios
Devin Metcalf shares about the origins and mission of Fourth Seal Studios, co-founded with Tim Currence
"In high school, I always knew that I wanted to do something related to the arts. Upon graduating, I applied and got accepted into The Art Institute of Pittsburgh majoring in industrial design. During my first year, I had a change of heart and switched majors to Entertainment Design, the 'sister' major to industrial design, focusing on practical special effects. I learned a lot during my education, but it was my last year especially that I buckled down and became passionate about special effects after being somewhat of a slacker. I worked long hours during my senior year to complete projects to the best of my ability and met my now business parter, Tim while working on effects for some student films. It wasn't until after graduation in 2013 that we decided to team up and focus on creating eyes for mask creators and enthusiasts alike.
Between 2013 to 2015, we developed our system, forms, technique and artistic abilities enough to warrant moving to Los Angeles, the heart of the effects industry. Since our move in August 2015, we've grown exponentially and now serve not only the mask makers, but studios, retail shops, makeup artists, and fine artists alike. 3D modeling and digital design have been the leading factors in our growth over this time. This has allowed us to prototype many different concepts; so much so that we acquired 3D printers and now do everything in-house. Our goal is to continue to innovate with this little niche of eye making we've found and provide the best end products we can."