茶私人 Chasiren
Hybrid Theory
Creative Process Journal
Epoxy · Stone · Metal
Jasmine Koh Xiu Zhen · 23935
Content 03 04 Introduction Hybrid Theory Overview Sketches 06 08 10 Experience Material Epoxy, Plastic & Dried Flowers Epoxy, Stone & Metal Epoxy, Leaves & Bamboo 12 14 16 18
Model Final Material - Epoxy, Stone & Stainless Steel Wire 茶碗 (chawan) 茶筅 (chasen) 茶杓 (chashaku)
Final
Hybrid Theory Overview
In this Hybrid project, we were required to explore several material combinations in order to create a new type of 茶碗 (chawan), 茶筅 (chasen) and 茶杓 (chashaku). Through the usage of Stone, Metal and Epoxy, I was able to acheive the intended aesthetics of combining natural stones with a man-made material. Epoxy acted as an adhesive and structural agent for the different elements.
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Sketches Design Ideas
In my attempts to to create a new form of 茶碗 (chawan), 茶筅 (chasen) and 茶杓 (chashaku), I explored a variety of shapes and sizes while also considering alternative ways of interactions such as shaking, spinning, and tapping.
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Epoxy, Plastic & Dried Flowers
Objective
The objective of the experiment was to find out if it was possible to preserve the natural colours of flowers while also adding a new texture. To do this, I added plastic sticks that also acts as additional structural support.
Process
1. Dried flowers cut into smaller pieces.
2. Pour Epoxy resin in the ratio of 5:3.
3. Plastic sticks added.
4. Let it cure for 24 hours.
Outcome
The material used in this experiment fulfilled my intent of creating a new texture while retaining the colours of a raw material. The texture of the plastic sticks and colours of the flower was fully sealed in the Epoxy resin.
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Epoxy, Stone & Metal
Objective
The objective of the experiment was to play with the aesthetics of raw and man-made materials - stones with stainless steel wires. With the addition of epoxy resin to seal the materials its begs the question of will stones sink or float in resin?
Process
1. Wrap wire around stones to hold it in place.
2. Pour Epoxy resin in the ratio of 5:3.
3. Let it cure for 24 hours.
Outcome
Wrapping the stones with wires allowed it to stay in place during the curing stage while also elevating the aesthetics through the contrast of a raw material with the wires.
The stone detail is further defined by the epoxy that created a clean clear look.
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Epoxy, Leaves & Bamboo
Objective
The objective of the experiment was to find out if lightweight materials such as leaves and toothpicks will be able to provide structure to epoxy resin.
Process
1. Layer the bamboo toothpick and leaves.
2. Pour Epoxy resin in the ratio of 5:3.
3. Let it cure for 24 hour.
Outcome
The leaves seemed to blend into the epoxy resin and as a result the bamboo toothpicks became the main focus which did not fulfil my aesthetics of a layering effect.
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茶私人 (chasiren)
茶碗 (chawan)
Process
1. A plaster mold following the dimensions of an existing bowl was created.
2. Add in the stones and wires.
3. Epoxy resin used to cast the bowl.
Outcome
While the 2-step process appeared to be simple, I encountered several problems along the way such as the ratio of mixing plaster with water and the making of the female and male plaster molds. The usage of stainless steel wires wrapped around the 茶碗 (chawan) provided structural support. I embraced the cracks made during the demolding process as it added character to the chawan - the flaws made this piece unique. In addition, The frosted appearance of the chawan provides an experience for users as the bowl would become clearer when water is added.
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茶私人 (chasiren)
茶筅 (chasen)
Process
1. Holes were drilled through the centre of each stone so that the stones could be stringed together with metal wires.
2. Epoxy resin used to coat the stones to prevent chipping in the whisking process.
3. To make the mold for the handle, Oyumaru (plastic clay) was used to make a handle shape.
4. Epoxy resin poured into the Oyumaru mold to cast the shape.
5. Add smaller stones into the handle
6. Attach the stone whisked stringed with the metal wire.
7. Let it cure for 24 hour.
Outcome
The contrast between stone and metal wires in my 茶筅 (chasen) was further elevated as the stringing of stones with metal wires made it resemble a piece of jewellery. Through the making of the chasen, I experimented with a new material known as Oyumaru. It is a reusable thermoplastic that melts when you put it into hot water hence it can be molded into shapes before it hardens when cooled.
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