Today's reflection centers around the pivotal shift in my project's material from mycelium to ceramics, a decision that was influenced heavily by practical constraints and educational guidance. The journey through the initial excitement of working with mycelium, to encountering substantial hurdles that required a reevaluation of my approach, has been an enriching experience.
Working with mycelium introduced me to the complexities of biodegradable materials and their potential in sustainable design. However, the challenges posed by the need for a sterile environment and the lack of support for biological projects within my current facilities made it clear that continuing with mycelium was untenable. My encounters with material constraints were not just obstacles but valuable lessons in adaptability and the necessity of aligning one's project with available resources.
Switching to ceramics has opened a new chapter in my exploration of materials. Ceramics, offering a rich history and a robustness that mycelium could not, allows me to delve deeper into the physical crafting processes that I had initially hoped to explore with mycelium. This material shift is not a setback but a redirection, guiding me towards a path that is more sustainable in the context of my current educational environment.
The transition has been a profound reminder of the importance of flexibility in creative endeavors. Embracing ceramics has not only allowed me to continue expressing my design philosophy but has also broadened my understanding of material characteristics and their impacts on the aesthetic and functional qualities of final products.
Reflecting on this phase of my project, I realize that each material offers unique opportunities and lessons. Mycelium taught me the value of innovation and the importance of environmental considerations in design, while ceramics reconnects me with traditional craft techniques and offers stability and familiarity necessary for detailed sculptural work. This experience underscores the dynamic nature of design work—how it evolves with circumstances and how it is influenced by a myriad of external factors
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