After reading an article by Asia Pulp Paper on paper as a sustainable medium of art, I have discovered the importance of paper as a material that supports a sustainable, renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. Although I was aware my practice was one of sustainability I did not realise how far the scope of possibilities paper has as a material for construction and strength as well as an innovative design and construction material with the capabilities of undertaking the biological cycle of recycle and renewal.
This recycling and use of paper and other eco friendly degradable and recycled materials has been used internationally by artists and designer to explore a more sustainable alternative to nonrenewable or fast fashion type art and design such as fabrics and plastic based materials, or materials that cannot break down naturally.
Capsula Mundi
This is an ongoing project with a group of designers in Italy whose focus is on making greener and biodegradable coffins. The concept behind these egg like forms, is that once you pass away you are ben buried in a pod and the biodegradable pod allows for a tree to grow. The concept of this is really interesting for me as he pod is made from plant matter to tackle the rising issues surrounding deforestation within the coffin industry. I enjoy how organic these forms are, almost quite sculptural. I enjoy how life if encouraged to grow from old life, Similar to my exploration of things growing from things. These have extremely limited environmental impact, and the Cradle to Cradle Concept in evident within the ideation of this design. Due to the legality of burials this is illegal in some countries and is still in the developmental stages.
- Biodegradable material, alternative, returning to the ground.
- Growth from death
- Sculptural forms
WooJai Lee
WooJai Lee, Korean-New Zealander designer creates bricks and furniture from recycled newspapers to repurpose a discarded material. Newspaper pulp is combined with glue and compressed into the moulds one dry they become extremely strong. This innovative design uses recycling at its key and could combat deforestation and create a new use for a surplus of discarded newspapers material into something beautiful and modern.
- Compressed recycled composite material, used form construction
- Use of waste material, interesting texture and marbled effect
Pangea Sculptures
Pangea Sculptures, are UK and Africa based company who create unique metal African Art sculptural forms of African animals and culture from metal, the metal is taken from the car scrap industry. This is a great way to use a scrap material that would ultimately end up in landfill. I really enjoy the scale of these forms and the textural quality created by the layering and welding. All the forms are hand made and recycle and repurpose a material.
- Sculptural forms made from a surplus of waste material.
- Making something beautiful, large scale from rubbish.
Phoebe Cummings
Phoebe Cummings is a UK based ceramicist and sculptor who primarily explores clay through its raw state. The forms above was exposed the the elements encouraging environmental changes to create erosion and disintegration, causing the clay to return back to its natural state in the ground.the forms become textured, weathered, worn or distressed as a result. The work becomes non permanent and ephemeral, with very little permanence, trace or effect on the environment. As these forms are very organic and fragile and brittle they become even more delicate and vulnerable to the environmental elements. The leftover pieces of the sculpture after the exhibition are collected and recycled back into workable clay.
- Ephemeral delicate, undergoes changes through environmental control
- Organic, use of recycling. Returns back to its original state, returns to nature
Lara Hoad Artist Designer: Maker 