TERRAVITRE

Terravitre (Terra: Ceramic, Vitre: Slab of Glass) is a glass slab made out of fusing recycled glass and bits of ceramics together using the process of glass casting. My thesis delves into the inception and development of Terravitre, a project born out of my deep-rooted passion for restoration and resourcefulness. Stemming from realizing the abundant potential lying dormant in discarded materials, my journey began with a profound contemplation on the fate of everyday objects and the untapped value of their constituent materials. Drawing from personal experiences as a ceramic artist confronted with the dilemma of discarding imperfect creations, I recognized the need for innovative approaches to material reuse.

Focusing on glass, a material of enduring fascination, I explored the intersection between ceramics and glass, identifying a dearth of existing practices beyond their initial experimentation. Recognizing glass's inherent recyclability and malleability, I was spurred to investigate prevailing glass recycling practices, particularly in the United States, where inefficiencies and low recycling rates underscored the urgency of sustainable material management. Motivated by the imperative to mitigate the environmental impact of resource depletion, especially in light of sand scarcity—a consequence of prolific sand consumption in glass and concrete production— I embarked on a quest to integrate ceramic and glass fusion techniques. This journey culminated in the conceptualization and realization of Terravitre, aimed at offering consumers novel material surfaces that celebrate the intrinsic beauty and potential of glass, transcending mere product utility.

Through a multidisciplinary exploration of materials, processes, and sustainability principles, this thesis elucidates the transformative journey of glass and ceramics from contemplation to innovation, underscored by a profound commitment to resource stewardship and the realization of untapped material potentials. Terravitre emerges as a tangible manifestation of creative ingenuity and a testament to the imperative of reimagining materiality to pursue a more sustainable and aesthetically enriching future.