By-product Becomes Product (2013)
Christine Lee
Interwoven (detail), 2013
Custom sawdust/paper fiber composite boards, hardware
“Interwoven is a functional and sculptural prototype designed and constructed with a desire to present the characteristics and potential of the naturally bonded composite board panel as well as choices that can be made for a waste-conscious and healthier creative practice. Influenced by table forms and woven objects, the design also took into account efficient material use to generate the least amount of unusable scrap, and methods of joinery involving a non-toxic adhesive in conjunction with standard hardware. The quarter-inch boards were physically woven to display the flexural properties of the material while the half-inch boards were used primarily for exterior wall support and torsion boxes within the interior to add strength and reduce the overall weight.
Within my creative practice, regardless of whether I am working on an art or design based project, it is natural for me to be conscious of how I utilize materials. It is difficult to see perfectly good material tossed without any regard, considering the embodied energy associated with it. At the same time I understand the importance of working within a healthier environment that is conducive to art making. Concern for the types of materials and chemicals one will be exposed to, I firmly believe should be instilled in every practice.
Working collaboratively with engineer John F. Hunt from Forest Products Laboratory gave me an opportunity to observe the various processes associated with composite board forming, and to create a product that one would normally build with that is naturally bonded and non-toxic. To be part of the development of an alternative substrate that not only mitigates harmful effects created by other composite boards but also increases the value of a by-product has been invaluable and rewarding experience.” – Christine Lee
By-product Becomes Product
February 6 – March 30, 2013
Intersection for the Arts
San Francisco, CA
Photo credit: Scott Chernis