dana barnes references lichen life for endolith casts seating series

dana barnes references lichen life for endolith casts seating series

as an extension of the studio’s ongoing research in fibers and textile compositions, dana barnes presents an installation of sculptural seating at collective design fair during new york design week 2015. the design of ‘endolith casts’ references the form, palette and materiality of lichen growth — a composite organism most commonly known for their unbounded growth on bare rock, walls and exposed soil surfaces.

these colorful creatures can survive in some of the most extreme environments on earth, punctuating areas like the arctic tundra, dry deserts and rocky coasts with their distinct, saturated hues. the result is a compilation of objects that can function as a series or individually within a contemporary context.

each piece is made by hand and originates in the barnes’ new york city studio

each unique cast creates a dialogue of materiality, bringing together stone-like composite and soft woolen fiber. ‘endolith casts’ source the complex relationship lichen growth maintains with the materials it colonizes to produce bursts of unexpected, texturally intricate structures and color that populate each form.

spontaneous knotting and meticulous shearing techniques are used to create a wet-bonded fibrous textile that expands into dense, sculptural, vibrant explosions of saturation. the materials are then immersed in fluid state concrete and cast in a time sensitive curing procedure that seamlessly fuses the woolen mass and stone-like composite together.

tactile areas of unexpected color populate the surface of the seat
image © designboom

‘endolith casts’ draw inspiration from the poet elizabeth bishop and her use of endolith lichen and its concentric growth patterns as a metaphor for ageless passion in ‘the shampoo’, 1955.

the installation of ‘endolith casts’ at collective design fair during new york design week

the still explosions on the rocks; the lichens, grow; by spreading, gray, concentric shocks; they have arranged; to meet the rings around the moon, although; within our memories they have not changed.

and since the heavens will attend; as long on us; you’ve been, dear friend; precipitate and pragmatical; and look what happens. for time is; nothing if not amenable.

the shooting stars in your black hair; in bright formation; are flocking where; so straight, so soon? — come, let me wash it in this big tin basin; battered and shiny like the moon.

knotting and meticulous shearing techniques are used to create a wet-bonded fibrous textile