MATERIAL RESEARCH
Influential texts
Gypsum is a nontoxic casting material I use to create base forms. 
Human hair can be added to bioplastics to create a composite material with more strength.
Gelatin bioplastic can be formed into sheets and shaped while drying. It can be used to replace resin in many applications.
Jellymold, made from gelatin and glycerin, can be used to make reusable molds or for castings. It is compatible with a polymer modified gypsum used for casting.
The jellymold can also be used as a casting material. It can be poured into plaster molds with a mold release or silicone molds.
Paper clay is adurable and lightweight surface material that can be sanded smooth. The recipe includes paper pulp, joint compound, PVA glue and water. This is the paper clay before sanding.
This object is in the process of being sanded.
1) Gelatin, glycerin and water is heated to generate a bioplastic. 
2) Bioplastic is poured, pigment and found materials are added, and bioplastic is shaped while it dries.
3) Final bioplastic piece after it has dried.
Microbial leather made from kombucha SCOBY, grown with the assistance of BFA student, Marie Negaard
The leather can be grown in different colors based on the type of tea used 
A sculpture featuring scoby applied as a decal to the surface of thermoformed plastic
Borosilicate glass formed through torchwork.
Borosilicate glass embedded in a plaster-cast sculpture.