“ Circular Terrazzo”
In an era defined by heightened environmental
awareness and the need for circular practices, the world of ceramic art faces
its own set of challenges. Among these, the age-old craft of glazing poses
particular difficulties in terms of recycling and environmental impact.
Leftover glaze materials, often infused with glassy components, introduce
complexities into the recycling process, ultimately contributing to various
forms of pollution, including chemical and toxic contaminants in the soil.
Additionally, the disposal of glazed ceramics often uses high-temperature kiln
firings, resulting in increased energy consumption. Recognizing the importance
of considering the complete material life cycle and the intrinsic value of
materials, this project endeavors to instill a sense of circularity within the
ceramic studio.
The essence of circularity revolves around the idea of upcycling previously used materials and waste, repurposing these resources to breathe new life into the world. The research on the ways the waste produced in the studio can be reused happens through rethinking traditional techniques such as slipcasting, the agate technique, and the technique of terrazzo making.
As ceramic artists, our daily connection with clay forms a profound link to its ancient history. This integration, drawing from various historical disciplines and practices, finds its inspiration in the realm of archaeology. Archaeology, with its diverse nature, serves as a collaborative bridge between diverse fields of human knowledge, offering a deeper understanding of material’s rich history and their potential for various innovative applications.
Terrazzo, traditionally a flooring material characterized by the arrangement of marble or stone chips within a concrete mix, has been revisited to confront the challenges posed by glaze waste in ceramics. The artist derives inspiration from the improvisational character of terrazzo, where the arrangement of materials constitutes a creative and organic process. This tradition undergoes a reinvigoration, in order to align with the principles of circularity. Salvaged and seemingly unusable glaze remnants find their place in the clay body, in a manner reminiscent of the traditional technique of terrazzo making. In the initial phase of the research, the artist undertakes the creation of a series of handmade tiles, made from a circular adaptation of terrazzo.
The essence of circularity revolves around the idea of upcycling previously used materials and waste, repurposing these resources to breathe new life into the world. The research on the ways the waste produced in the studio can be reused happens through rethinking traditional techniques such as slipcasting, the agate technique, and the technique of terrazzo making.
As ceramic artists, our daily connection with clay forms a profound link to its ancient history. This integration, drawing from various historical disciplines and practices, finds its inspiration in the realm of archaeology. Archaeology, with its diverse nature, serves as a collaborative bridge between diverse fields of human knowledge, offering a deeper understanding of material’s rich history and their potential for various innovative applications.
Terrazzo, traditionally a flooring material characterized by the arrangement of marble or stone chips within a concrete mix, has been revisited to confront the challenges posed by glaze waste in ceramics. The artist derives inspiration from the improvisational character of terrazzo, where the arrangement of materials constitutes a creative and organic process. This tradition undergoes a reinvigoration, in order to align with the principles of circularity. Salvaged and seemingly unusable glaze remnants find their place in the clay body, in a manner reminiscent of the traditional technique of terrazzo making. In the initial phase of the research, the artist undertakes the creation of a series of handmade tiles, made from a circular adaptation of terrazzo.
Year
2023
1, 12 . Installation View, Circular Terrazzo.
2,4,5,6,7,8,11. Circular Terrazzo tiles, Material Research.
9, 10. Fossil, Residue Glaze. .
reclaimed clay, glaze residue
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images & texts - Chryssa Kotoula |