Michael Koehle

 Vero poly jet resin print of a photograph. The height of the model is based on the intensity of the image.  

This image is developed from a CT scan of the 3D printed model. The thicker thicker regions of the model absorb more x-rays and appear closer to white. The more shallow regions absorb less, and appear darker.

The CT scan contains volumetric data of the model. Once the scan is obtained, the model can be rotated virtually. The previous image was a bird-eye view of the scan while this model is at an oblique angle. 

Side view of the CT scan. 

Video showing the processing of the CT scan. The scan is made up of cross sections, each with a certain thickness (in this case about .1 mm).  Summing these cross sections results in an image similar to the original photo. 

The original source photo