The starting point was a project inspired by the structure of shells. I am also inspired by the repurposing of materials. I began to see the disposable plastic ink cartridges as somewhat shell shaped. In the shell collection of the Natural History Museum I discovered a pencil urchin which inspired this 3-D sculpture. A neutral shade was used to reference both shells and plastic.
The repurposing of the plastic ink cartridges was the primary focus, but the need for the piece to be a satisfying and beautiful piece in itself was of equal importance. This challenge was ultimately resolved by creating a muslin fabric hardened base covered in cotton thread. The ink cartridges were also covered in the same threads, using a macramé half hitch knot, and attached to the base.
Media: muslin, textile hardener, DMC 100% cotton threads, plastic ink cartridges, glue.
Dimensions: 23cm wide x 15cm high.
Dimensions (of thread covered cartridges): 1cm wide (at base) x 7cm high.
The repurposing of the plastic ink cartridges was the primary focus, but the need for the piece to be a satisfying and beautiful piece in itself was of equal importance. This challenge was ultimately resolved by creating a muslin fabric hardened base covered in cotton thread. The ink cartridges were also covered in the same threads, using a macramé half hitch knot, and attached to the base.
Media: muslin, textile hardener, DMC 100% cotton threads, plastic ink cartridges, glue.
Dimensions: 23cm wide x 15cm high.
Dimensions (of thread covered cartridges): 1cm wide (at base) x 7cm high.
