There has been much debate centered on the notion of borders over the past year, with many being tightened and in some extreme cases, created.
At present the free movement of people can certainly not be considered a given and as such has become an extremely sensitive subject across the globe. Last year, as the borders of war-torn Syria were closing, Dutch designer Marin Jansen embarked on a mission to get sand out of the country and into her ceramics.
The project builds on research into the effects that sourcing and utilising clay and sand from various locations has on the shade and texture of the final ceramics.
Clay research
Sand research
Only with Closer , the acquisition of the sand also helped to map just which borders were still in operation and as such where ‘movements’ might be made in and out of the country.
Each of the ceramic discs she has produced offer insight into how close to the border the sand was collected. As Jansen explains, “Not only does every sample have a different colour and structure, each has its own story. And so the physical sand map also becomes a metaphor for the intricate social network that grew to make the project possible.”
Sand research
Sand research
The Stone Collection
The Stone Collection is a compact and easily transportable tableware set, inspired by the Asian tradition of carrying bowls. The bowl and plate, made from her sand-infused ceramic, fit neatly together and are strapped and carried by a leather strip.
All images © Marin Jansen
