Background information
«Bacteria lamp»: a lamp made of your own bacteria
by Pia Seidel
This project opens up new terrain in ceramics
15.7.2019
Translation: machine translated
I only like to see hair on heads. But the "Liaison" ceramic series by Céline Arnould makes me reconsider: her vessels hide remnants from the hairdressing salon, innovative design strategies and plenty of personality.
When I see a hair on the floor or near my plate, my body hair stands up involuntarily. And yet this reflex doesn't happen when I see the creations of designer Céline Arnould. Her vessels are made of hair as well as porcelain and are so beautiful that I wish I had the strange hair on the dining table as a fruit bowl.
The bowls are part of the "Liaison" porcelain collection. They were recently on display at the Zurich University of the Arts as part of the 2019 diploma exhibitions. The young designer's bachelor's thesis is part of the "Trends and Identity" degree programme and is considered a good example of experimental design. It combines craft knowledge from the hairdressing and ceramics sectors.
When hairstyles are not just on the head
Céline Arnould has teamed up with a hairdressing salon for her project. Each of the colourful vessels was formed from a person's cut hair and porcelain. Because hair is absorbent, it serves as the basic framework in the moulding process of the bowls. "The volume of the vessels is created by air-filled rings on which the hair dipped in porcelain is placed to harden," explains Céline. The rings are removed after drying and the hairy ceramic mass is placed in the oven. There, the "hairstyle" fires and leaves behind unique imprints. Watch the video for an insight into the creation process.
Design becomes more personal
The thing that can make objects meaningful to us is a personal connection. That's why designers like Céline Arnould are increasingly venturing into new waters and applying experimental design strategies. They are collaborating with other industries to create valuable products. "By associating it with different meanings, cut hair becomes an exciting material that turns ceramics into an emotionally charged carrier. It can become a token of friendship, an object of devotion or mourning."
Céline is not alone in her desire for personalised design: Jan Klingler's "Bacteria Lamp" was also created in search of valuable and sustainable materials. I recently met the industrial designer for an interview in Milan. He uses bacterial cultures grown on resin plates to brighten up LED lamps.
Having just returned from Milan, I also come across Céline's design objects made from "human" materials here in Germany. I wonder if these hairy ceramic vessels will become the latest decorating trend?
"Liaison"
Would you decorate your home with hair?
- Of course, when the ceramics are so colorful.28%
- I prefer to see hairstyles on the head than on the dining table.72%
The competition has ended.
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Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
Interior
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