Forage & Form is a project in which 100% natural foraged materials were utilized to create a collection of practical, beautiful products with a narrative. In today's fast-paced world, convenience is often prioritized over craftsmanship, contributing to the pervasive throwaway culture we find ourselves in. By showcasing the potential of handcrafted items made from foraged materials that were foraged, processed, and created with only common household objects or easy-to-make tools, I hope to shift this paradigm, encouraging appreciation for the value of handmade goods, fostering a deeper connection to our surroundings and the materials that sustain us, and encouraging the act of making with our own hands. By mindfully engaging in the process of harvesting, processing, and crafting with foraged materials, individuals can develop a greater understanding of the natural world and the effort required to create the items we use in our daily lives. This hands-on approach results in unique and meaningful products, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the maker. Below are some photos of the final products that were made, as well as some photos that show the process.
Wild Clay, Raw Wool, and Plant Twine Lamps
These two lamps were made out of raw wool, wild clay, and plant twine. All of these materials were foraged, processed, and used for making by hand, with no final product in mind. As the materials were found, processed, and worked with, the varying characteristics of each material were discovered and the final product began to take form.
One of the final lamps has a solid base and the other has three separate slabs that are woven together with plant twine. One of the electrical component sets is from a wire-it-yourself kit, and the other is from a dissassembled lamp found at a second-hand store.
Below are photos of the processes that led to these final lamps.
Processing Raw Wool for Lampshades
Processing Plant Twine for Lamp Base
