Material

Eggshell

By

Made in

Animal material 71 Biodegradable 269 Circular 255 Pigment 53 Plant-based 198 Calcium carbonate 7 Eggshell 16 Natural pigment 5 Sodium alginate 18

Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell
Eggshell

Photos: Cynthia Nudel

Bioceramics

This project stems from a conflict between two concerns: on one hand, the passion for traditional ceramics and, on the other, the values of respect for the environment and the zero-waste philosophy, as well as the attempt to minimise the impact on the environment. Unfortunately, traditional ceramics is an activity that requires extracting clay, sometimes using chemical glazes and, most importantly, high energy consumption when using a kiln. Is there an alternative that can overcome these disadvantages?

The search for an answer led Cynthia Nudel to the world of biomaterials. Many of these materials, such as bioplastics or biotextiles, are an alternative to traditional materials. They also avoid highly polluting processes, making this new way of understanding craftsmanship a perfect solution to the dilemma. Inspired by another type of biomaterial, biocomposites, which refer to a rigid and resistant material, she chose the label 'bioceramics' to define these pieces, which refers to the materials used and the production process.

In this case, as a substitute for clay, eggshells are used along with sodium alginate from brown algae. The eggshells come from waste from a local bakery, so she also takes advantage of resources that would otherwise be treated as waste. For the finish of the pieces, traditional ceramic glazes are replaced with natural pigments made from waste found in the environment, such as eucalyptus bark or yerba mate remains. Another attractive aspect of bioceramics, perhaps the most impactful, is that the pieces don't need to be dried in a kiln as the drying takes place at room temperature. Additionally, the material is biodegradable, so when it reaches the end of its usability period, it returns to the earth, closing the cycle.

The pieces in this collection are inspired by nature and speak of people's disconnection from it. Black tones symbolise destruction but also greens of vegetation and whites that reflect purity, or earth tones that remind us of our essence. Beyond their decorative function, these pieces have a disseminative intention and invite us to join a change of paradigm.

Making process

Egg shells are crushed into a powder. It is mixed together with the sodium alginate dissolved in water. The paste is placed in the mold and dried at room temperature. Finally, it is painted with self-made natural pigments and eco varnish is applied.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.

Ingredients

Eggshell, sodium alginate, natural pigment (yerba mate, eucalyptus bark, coal), eco varnish, calcium carbonate