THE TACTILE COLLECTION, SAIC BFA Exhibition
(2019)
This collection is centered around sustainable design, highlighting contrasts between organic and fabricated materials and shapes bringing together three individual projects.
Ways to educate and reach collective awareness about sustainability, must come from design, or rather re-design. The first step in re-design is working with “waste” as a material preference.
This collection aims to be an environmentally conscious brand utilizing found materials and wood waste to reduce negative environmental impact.
The first project (2017) and first designed object is the "WILT" light fixture made from layers of found paper waste, to create a gradient of color.
The second object, “Flagella Table,” was re-designed with contaminated wood waste in mind. The ash tree slice is supported by steel powder coated legs, The form of which is Inspired by micro-organisms with whip-like appendages.
Ash is a common wood that often goes to waste in the U.S. because of its high risk of contamination by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle. Since its accidental introduction from Asia, Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of ash trees in North America. Ash trees are cut down whether or not they have been infected because of the risk for further contamination. Although still in great condition, it is chipped into mulch rather than being distributed to artists and makers.
The second project (2018), is a series of twelve experimental forms, two of which are included in the collection, are investigations in how melted glass forms with the use of breath, hand technique and gravity.
The third Project (2018 - 2019), exhibits one part of a ‘design family’ which aids chronic tension muscles. There three hand lathed massage rollers are multi-functional. Made from white oak, cherry or walnut, the small rollers convert into candlestick holders and the large rollers transform into a vase or candle stick holder. The large massage rollers are supplied with dripless wax candles. The Cherry roller shown here is displayed on a hand forged curved steel shelf finished with spray paint.
This series is inspired by the desire for well designed muscle tension relief tools that can intrigue the owner or viewer. these objects serve as center pieces and conversation starters which indicate that bodily pain shouldn't be hidden in an able bodied world.
Each roller is designed to mimic human knuckles for a deep tissue massage technique. The large rollers are designed for the neck and the body overall. the small rollers target tender muscles and nerves on the temples.
The rollers are sustainably made tools that encourage attentive care and become a personal object to cherish. The multifunctional aspect of these rollers create a longer life cycle which is key to sustainable design. When the object reaches the end of its life it can biodegrade.
TACTILE COLLECTION zine /catalogue