cynthia nudel crafts vases from organic waste for bioceramics

 

Bioceramics (It’s not trash, it’s art!) transforms eggshell waste and algae into a series of sculptural biodegradable designs. With this project, Cynthia Nudel proposes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ceramics, uniting her passion for the craft with her goal to minimize impact on the environment.

 

Making use of locally found, pre-used organic waste, the designer crafts a series of sustainable vases and pots which are inspired by nature, and speak of people’s disconnect with it. While black tones symbolize destruction and hues of green evoke nature, whites reflect purity and earth tones remind us of our essence. Moreover, at the end of its lifespan, each piece disintegrates and returns back to the earth, closing the circle poignantly. 

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Bioceramics | all images courtesy of Cynthia Nudel

 

 

rethinking traditional ceramics with biomaterials

 

This project arises from a conflict between two of the designer’s concerns: on one hand, her passion for traditional ceramics and, on the other, her respect for the environment and a zero-waste philosophy. ‘Unfortunately, traditional ceramics is an activity that requires extracting clay, sometimes using chemical glazes and, most importantly, high energy consumption when using a kiln. Is there an alternative that can overcome these disadvantages?’ questions Cynthia Nudel. In her quest for a solution, the designer was led to the world of biomaterials where bioplastics or biotextiles often present viable alternatives to traditional materials, avoiding highly polluting processes. 

 

Inspired by biocomposites — a rigid and resistant material — the collection is aptly titled ‘Bioceramics’. Here, Nudel substitutes clay for powdered eggshells found in a local bakery along with sodium alginate from brown algae, and uses calcium carbonate as reinforcement. For the finish of the pieces, traditional ceramic glazes have been replaced with natural pigments made from waste found in the designer’s environment, such as eucalyptus bark or yerba mate remains. Nudel further notes that the most impactful aspect of bioceramics is its drying process which takes place at room temperature, eliminating the need to dry the pieces in a kiln, and largely reducing its environmental impact.

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Bioceramics (It’s not trash, it’s art!)

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a series of sustainable vases and pots inspired by nature

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Cynthia Nudel transforms eggshell waste and algae into biodegradable designs

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natural and local pigments made from eucalyptus bark and yerba mate remains are used for the finishes

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bioceramics dry naturally at room temperature, eliminating the need for a kiln

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eggshells collected from a local bakery, making use of resources that would otherwise be treated as waste

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powdered eggshells

 

 

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project info:

 

name: Bioceramics
designer: Cynthia Nudel

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom