Abstrakt
Overview
Abstrakt is a set of modular plaster molds that can be placed in any position to cast unique shapes. It allows people to learn about the craft of slipcasting in a simplified, fun, and creative way. Eliminating the pressures of starting such a complex and traditional craft.
Duration: 4 months
Individual
Royal College of Art - 2020
Tutors: Thomas Wager, Alon Meron
Collection of Abstrakt pieces
Abstrakt Mould - Example
Abstrakt - From mould to piece
Abstrakt Moulds
Abstrakt
Slipcasting is a rigid and complicated process. Abstrakt opens and reimagines the process by allowing users to cast their unique moulds and explore, play, and quickly prototype any form or shape. With its infinite possibilities and endless combinations, Abstrakt is a universe yet to be invoked, a space where users can feel inspired by the freedom to act without regard for plans.
Abstrakt invites all its users to play, be creative and discover the craft of slip casting in ways they had never been able before.
Whats NEXT for Abstrakt
Working on new patters for the moulds and looking for ways to introduce this in schools as a workshop.
Looking for a sponsor who can push the project to a new level and potentially launch it!
Follow the progress in my Instagram page: @maria.rmvz
Process
Background & aim
Slip casting is an ancient process where liquid clay is poured into a one or two-part mould to obtain a piece with the shape of the mould. In traditional slipcasting, one mould translates to one piece, and this can’t be changed unless the mould is changed.
It requires timing, precission and experience and it is therefore seen as very innaccesible for those who are new to it. Abstrakt challenges this.
Why
Abstrakt allows users to experience and learn the craft, connecting back to their roots. Crafts are an important part of local identity and must be preserved, especially now when we are surrounded by mass-produced items.
Abstrakt is a medium for play, allowing for users to enjoy, be creative and escape from routine.
- Miguel Sicarti in Play Matters
“Play is what we do when we are human”
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Experimets & Prototypes
To the right, experiments on shape and method were developed.
At the top, a first protoype of the mould making followed by its second version.
Mould Making
Hand turned wooden pieces are made, cut, and polished. These are then cast into a square shape and, then, arranged with other moulds to create unique pieces.
Abstrakt uses geometric so that there aren't limitations for the user's freedom. These shapes allow for more imagination, more freedom, and less constraints.
Making
In every project, you're going to find obstacles, no matter what.
In this project, I saw myself in the need of making a manual band-saw and a manual sander out of plywood.
Develpment
A total of 15 users where challenged create a shape of their choice with any modular components in under 10 minutes that they could slipcast.
Users ranged from professionals to complete foreigners of the craft. These provided valuable insights and helped improve the user experience.
In the process
Find some images of the making process. From the filling of the moulds, to the emptying, to the final firing.
Final
Final results made by Abstrakt testers testing different materials and different glaze finishes.
