I’ve become so upset about the cloud 2 model that I have started to introduce the idea of planting trees instead of hanging clouds. I created three tree shapes that echo the style of the clouds. I find trees to be an essential part of our physical community. They represent growth and a healthy ecology. In discussing this potential project and development of the porcelain trees with Bill Depper, he introduced the idea of planting actual trees or saplings of trees as opposed to clay trees. However, he also suggested if we do go the route of clay trees, he was concerned with their stability. They could be easily broken and the exhibit could disappear before the show even began.
In talking with you about the process of creating these trees, you suggested they would be best developed as 3D models first. We would then take the plastic 3D printed models and use those to create the plaster molds for elements of the trees. This truly brought up an intense and necessary conversation on sustainability and materiality. Creating these forms out of plastic is not as sustainable as the cloud 1 mold-making method. Below is an analysis on plastic vs ceramic.
Why Porcelain/Ceramic/Clay?
- Fragility of material calls attention to the fragility of the ecology
- Craft as-a-means to go back to a more human-dimension
- Objects just not as “things” since they carry stories/ancient knowledge within
Ceramic
- Uses high energy, high heat to produce
- Glazes can be toxic, decrease ability to biodegrade
- Natural material that comes from the earth and goes back to the earth
- Clay, silica and water (break down to dust)
- Must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis
Plastic
- Doesn’t truly biodegrade
- Contains harmful chemicals
(Bisphenol A and phthalates that disrupt hormones in people and wildlife) - Uses non-renewable petroleum to make
- We have a large disposable plastic pollution problem
