The aim of the brief was to investigate how materials and production processes shape and form products whilst responding to aspects of koha. (Koha takes ideas of gift and exchange and examines how design and art can contribute to wider community networks.)
Through the brief I developed an understanding of the principles behind moulding and casting and how they shape a product. Six identical objects were produced, to then be gifted to the public at an open exhibition at the end of the six week period.
I decided to design bird feeders in response to the brief due to the aspect of community that surrounds the preservation of our native birdlife and how it tied in significantly with the notion of koha. I was intrigued about the concept of the gift, and gifting to nature as these objects would in turn be gifted to the public.
The body of the feeder was slip casted in a two part mould out of a white porcelain slip. The feeders were then bisque fired and a ‘shale’ toned glazed applied for the final gloss firing. Corks to ensure the feed was kept dry were added to each object along with a stainless steel chain for easy dislodging, and a pine perch for the feathered friends to rest on when feeding.
