I am pleased to present an update on my work toward some healthy material alternatives. I have been working with wood ash and oyster shells looking to create a healthier replacement to cement, while also taking a step towards ceramics with sculpted brick making. Although most of the work had to be postponed due to my absence from town for the past month, I have gathered some info to share some significant progress made before my departure.
One of the notable achievements was the exploration of wood ash cement, which yielded promising results. Preliminary tests involved creating blocks using only wood ash and water, which, after proper drying, exhibited impressive density and hardness. However, under intentional pressure, these blocks would still crack apart. Although this poses a limitation for load-bearing structures, it presents an intriguing opportunity for creating temporary sculptures or imagery for sets, videos, or artistic purposes. The potential lies in constructing visually captivating structures that, upon decomposition, contribute to the environment by dispersing seeds and nutrients within the mixture. With the oyster shell mixture there will be a heated chemical reaction which could damage the seeds; with the high alkaline in the oyster shells also being rough on young saplings that do survive. These wood ash compositions offer a safe medium for incorporating organic elements and promoting sustainable growth.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to establish connections with experts in the ceramics lab, opening doors for expanding my sculptures into clay brick and ceramic mediums. Utilizing local clay and organic glazes not only enhances the sustainability and decomposability of my work but also ensures a neutral or even beneficial material when decomposed in the environment. It is also non-toxic to work with while still providing the opportunity for larger, more industrial sculptures. Beautiful lime plaster paints can be made with the oyster shells and organic pigments that offer an ocean of potential and inspiration.
Furthermore, my collaboration with mentors in the Ceramics lab enabled me to experiment with heating oyster shells to the appropriate temperature for an effective cementitious reaction. To simplify the process, I leveraged the expertise of the Ceramics lab and utilized a kiln to heat the oyster shells in my absence. This method of using a kiln ensures the shells reach the necessary temperature for a cementitious reaction while significantly reducing the labor and inefficiency associated with previous approaches. Preliminary observations indicate that the shells burned properly, displaying the desired color and texture. This newfound efficiency opens up exciting possibilities for utilizing oyster shells as a sustainable material component.
Upon my return in two weeks, I intend to conduct tests by combining the disintegrated oyster shells, wood ash, and water to determine their cementitious properties. Should these experiments prove successful, I will organize and document my findings for an upcoming presentation. This breakthrough has the potential to offer an effective replacement for cement, specifically within the scope of my work. In parallel, I continue to explore the use of locally sourced clay to create brick structures that can be easily reintegrated into the environment. Combining clay and sand, these bricks possess the remarkable ability to be fully decomposed, providing an intriguing alternative for sustainable construction. Thank you for your continued support and interest in this research project. I am excited to share further progress and insights with you in the near future. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.
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