ART & DESIGN by. meltem eti proto
This is a story about the leaves and barks...
“Wouldn't it be possible another life for leaves and bark (waste of bio-resources) before they mix with nature?”
So whilst I have decided to use different bio-waste materials such as magnolia leaves, eucalyptus tree bark, pine tree needles, and more and more to create experimental materials.
After collecting different biomaterials in Rome, Bodrum, and Istanbul, I did experimental studies. Different forms emerged with the leaves and bark I collected in various cities and natural areas.
material design
We see that many researchers and designers work on biomaterials and processes. We could mention first of all Neri Oxman. Her research on the use of natural processes in design is a source for designers and researchers.
Mexican designer Fernando Laposse uses corn husks as a veneer that calls totomoxtle. “the husks, which are naturally colorful, are flattened and glued by hand onto fiberboard and card to reinforce them, and can be used in various applications for interiors and furniture.”
Krill Design has created a material from orange peels, they use it for 3d printing. The first lamp composed of orange “Ohmie tackles the problematic waste of bio-resources, transforming food waste into a unique creation. An Italian company, Orange Fiber “has patented in 2014 and produced sustainable fabrics from citrus fruit.“ They use it to feed cellulose fiber production lines.
hand made bowl with bio materials
I am an educator and designer. I use different materials to realize my ideas. The process that I carried out to transform and reuse the collected bio-waste materials showed that each of them had different properties. Variable properties appear depending on the material structure, the grinding size of the material, and the character of the adhesive.
It is possible to use bio-waste materials artisanally in many forms. Among the designs, I have produced after my experiences there are small-scale objects such as tiles, and wearable forms, and medium-sized objects such as containers, vases, and lamps. The natural color of the leaf and bark can be used as well as the possibility of coloring is among the experiments I have done.
The creative process with these materials are artisanal productions and all these forms can go back into circular economy. This study is a prelude to the use of bio materials in design.
When I walk through the streets of my neighborhood it is full of magnolia leaves. It begins at the beginning of the summer when they get dried on the asphalt floor. Nobody touches them. They change their color from bright green to yellow, brown, red-brown, and finally dark brown. It has always been very fascinating for me the magnolia pinecone form. I am not an expert on trees but I love their structure and the change in their colors and following natural life processes.
endless design collection
