T-Stool - Specific ObjectsT-Stool - Specific ObjectsT-Stool - Specific Objects

Project collaborators:

CNC, Jeannie Wu, Positive, Yasemin Uyar, Ceramics, Diego Sinbert
Mold making, Pieluigi Pompei
Special thanks to the Sundaymorning@EKWC for their encouragement and expertise.

The design of the T-stool originates from an interest in the traditional Chinese ceramic tea stool. These stools are based upon a hollow vessel, often cylindrical in form, which is strong in compression. Alternatively, the T-Stool’s stability originates from the plasticity of a folded convex surface and its transformation into a hollow ceramic shell, approximately 1.5 cm thick (100 cm l. x 60 cm h. x 70 cm w.). While it is strong in compression the folded surface introduces stresses that are typically avoided when working with ceramic due to its low tensile strength. A special clay recipe was developed in response to these characteristics. The high degree of surface curvature provides additional strength during firing and each fold creates opportunities for complex reflections. The use of metallic luster and the crackle patterns that develop in response to the surface stresses between the clay and the glaze, provide each stool with its specificity.

A two part mold was designed to allow the clay to be pressed into the form. A 3 mm rubber membrane was constructed over the entire surface to insure its release from the mold. The mold has been used to produce three unique versions of the T-Stool. The use of rubber molds with ceramics is a recent development due to the fact that the rubber impedes the clays ability to cure. Once a layer of clay is pressed inside the mold to the desired thickness, the mold is removed, piece by piece, over several days.