KOMBUCHA LEATHER LAMPS
This Project was aimed at creating vegan leather from kombucha using the method of BIO FABRICATION. As sustainability have become the need of the hour and not a choice anymore, the need to produce new materials that consume less energy and produce less waste is essential.
Kombucha is a ferment made by adding a mixed symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, (known as SCOBY) to sweetened tea. The bacteria acquire nutrients from the yeast, and grow a protective mass of cellulose mono fibres, called a pellicle.
The material which results is a flexible, leathery sheet that can be cut, stitched, glued or woven. The pellicle dyes readily while still wet, and takes the shape of whatever supports it as it dries. Complex shapes can be formed by cutting the sheet into strips, and layering them over a form. As they dry, the wet strips fuse into a continuous sheet.The process only requires the space of a laboratory, very little water, no chemicals and very less manpower.
Throughout this project I have explored the tactile and folding properties of kombucha leather.I have used techniques of interlacing and origami to create different textures.
BIO FABRICATION USING RICE WATER AS BASE
This is an experimental surface made from rice . The process was very similar to that of kombucha leather. But the result was very different.The surface was more like plastic and the red stain was caused naturally due to some reaction or bacteria.
This project is so far one of my favourite. Working with bio fabrication and creating new sustainable materials is my dream project . Making Kombucha leather and exploring its possibilities gave me a glimpse of what it would look like and i enjoyed it to the core. The project was done as part of my internship with replenish .
thank you.
