Abstract
To compete with other digital images, holograms must go beyond the current range of source-image types, such as sequences of photographs, laser scans, and 3D computer graphics (CG) scenes made with software designed for other applications. This project develops a set of innovative techniques for creating 3D digital content specifically for digital holograms, with virtual tools which enable the direct hand-crafting of subjects, mark by mark, analogous to Michelangelo's practice in drawing, painting and sculpture. The haptic device, the Phantom Premium 1.5 is used to draw against three-dimensional laser- scan templates of Michelangelo's sculpture placed within the holographic viewing volume.