The topic in question addresses the exploration of the volcanic materials produced during the eruption. The idea was to develop a collection of objects that can explore all the products from the eruption of Icelandic volcanoes still active today, taking Icelandic soil as a place of interest, famous for its high volcanic and geothermal activity. The collection of these products through a service, thinking about the problems concerning safety and health that they can cause, and their subsequent use in everyday environments and sustainable purposes is the basis on which this project is based. An example can be volcanic ash that could be used in a service product to re-fertilize the Icelandic soil which is now bare and unsuitable for cultivation, with the consequent reforestation of the environment. Volcanic materials make up the majority of Icelandic soil and with infinite possibilities and properties that distinguish them, they are constantly underestimated, remaining unused. This project aims to be a total experimentation of these materials, which is why I have analyzed as many materials as possible. I selected 4 materials: lava stone, pumice, volcanic ash and basalt. The working techniques are varied and want to be an attempt to emphasize the listed materials to the maximum.
Freyja the basalt vase:
Basalt determines most of the Icelandic soil. It has a very dark color, close to black, and is very resistant to heat. It can be observed that this mineral, when melting, creates a dotted texture along the entire surface. These bubbles are shiny and dark, with streaks on the light brown. The shape allows the insertion of two bouquets of flowers which can have a relationship of background and protagonist, the flowers in the foreground with more gaudy colors and neutral plants to emphasize the main one. The shape is soft but raw, given by its most emotional, expressive and artistic creation. The vase was in fact created by four hands and in fact represents the relationship between two people. The concept revolves around two complementary elements which complement each other creating a single one. For this reason, the name of the vase is inspired by the Viking goddess of war and love.
Yggdrasil, the biomaterial vase responsible for the reforestation of the soil:
This helical-shaped vase is manufactured from a biomaterial made from Icelandic natural waste, including jelly and bones from fish waste and ash from the island’s frequent volcanic eruptions. The pattern is inspired to the streaks and folds of the now-cooled lava, which is also similar to the texture of tree bark. Its purpose is to be planted in the environment to support the reforestation of the soil. As time and atmospheric agents cause the pot to decay, it will nourish the plant inside. The pot’s role is recalled by its tapering design, which also makes it easier to graft it into the ground. The tree that sustains the universe, hence the name “Yggdrassil,” has the peculiarity of being generated at random, altering its shape with each new piece that is produced.
Surtur, the lava stone vase:
An extremely square, geometric vase with a little hole at the top, can actually hold a very small bouquet, primarily made up of dry plants or that don’t need any watering.
The vase in question tries to show some characteristics that are concealed inside, while also illustrating the weight and hardness of the lava stone, which is rough and black. The volcanic rock’s natural spiers and inlets, as well as the cut, determine the shape. It has a unique material of its kind and is imposing yet elegant and simple in shape. A permeable and porous rock that hides crystals, notably the green-yellow crystal “Olivine.” Over time, oxidized lava rock will turn burgundy-red in hue.
Hekla, the pumice vase:
Although the material is rough, it is also quite delicate and elegant. The pumice that makes up “Hekla” has a variety of characteristics, including varying densities and colors. An example is the “golden pumice” of Mount Hekla, for which the homonymous volcano is famous. These stones are used to build a terrazzo, which makes the material the undeniable star of the vase. The linear form is incredibly versatile and can fit into any context. It may be positioned in any area thanks to its extremely light color and neutral color scheme because it adapts without drawing attention.
The dimensions of the vases are all around 15x25x15 cm
The service:
The website connects to the project service and offers data on volcanic eruptions and eruption forecasts, the option to purchase “Erumpere” products, and the ability to donate trees (grown in Yggdrasil pots) to reforest the soil. It offers also the possibility to ask for a cleaning of the territory hit from an eruption, this will allow the studio to collect materials for the production of the objects.