Throughout my investigations into paper laminations. I experiemented with at least a dozen different possible molding methods. The inflatable mold series started off as the classic paper mache balloon, but quickly matured into belted yoga balls, layered up with paper and then vacumm formed. The pressure of the vacumm generated a wall strength, free of micro bubbles, that ultimately led to a utilitarian finished result. A rolling radially symetrical vessel, that has applications as a stool and as a carrying container. The final iteration was an inflated mold, captured within a cage, making a fluted sculptural vessel in cotton muslin/linen. The wheatepaste binder developed during this process is 100% biodegradable, and the final products are finished with tung oil and beeswax.
I see this type of work not as product design, nor eco design, but rather efficient design. I don't believe this is something that should be produced in a factory, and sold to the market, but rather, I believe it to be a demonstration of the possibilities when we think outside the box, and push the boundaries of structure. The Market Bag/Seat is an example of an upcycle of discarded wood fiber. It requires minimal labor and consumes little energy to produce. Its production is a high grade form of DIY, employing a yoga ball, a belt, flour, and water. Its a foray into a new(yet old) production culture.
