Session 2: 12/2 Mon-12/20 Fri

In this studio, students will express how a visceral experience in nature can translate into a formalized everyday practice. In doing so, they curate unique interactions with objects that recall familiar environments under new, mediated contexts. These concepts are explored through ceramics, specifically through the technique of slip casting. With expanded options to incorporate 3D modeling, molding and casting, as well as digital fabrication into the traditional workflow, students will devise innovative techniques and display heightened sensitivity to human interactions with nature. 

Calming Leaves is a fountain tea brewer inspired by moments of contemplation sitting under trees at night. It mimics the calming nature of watching rustling leaves by mimicking it’s turbulent movement with water, and brewing tea in the process. 

Calming Leaves is an array of ceramic “leaves” attached at one point to maintain rotational freedom. As the water flows over each leaf, it changes their positions to create a constantly evolving path to flow through. This irregularity mimics the turbulent movements of leaves in the wind, and offers an engaging experience no matter how many times it’s used. Each leaf is a strainer for tea leaves, brewing the water flowing through. Using slip casting to produce the leaves allowed quick, reliable production of many leaves, and kept everything food safe. This project takes the already calming ritual of brewing tea, and adds a visual element.