Biomaterial; Exploring Texture, Color, and Cracks in My Digital Material Archive

In my Digital Material Archive experiments, I've been testing the boundaries of natural materials like agar, gelcrin, and gelatin with different additives to see how they interact in terms of texture, color, and durability. Here are my reflections on each piece, and what each one taught me about the material world’s fascinating unpredictability.

1. Tea, Coffee, Glycerin, Vinegar, Water, and Natural Fabric

This combination yielded a warm, earthy palette with a soft, flexible texture, thanks to the glycerin and natural fabric. The tea and coffee blended well, creating a subtle, natural hue that’s reminiscent of aged paper or fabric. and the natural fabric added a subtle texture. I love the natural, organic feel here, as it’s soft to the touch and maintains flexibility. This combination will definitely be a staple for future pieces where softness and adaptability are needed.

I added a plant to be extra!

2. Tea, Coffee, Sawdust, Agar, Glycerin, Water, and Vinegar

The texture here was a highlight. I layered agar and let it dry slightly, and then applied a gelatin layer on top. The result was a beautifully cracked agar that sat partially dried for a day before the gelatine layer unified the surface. This technique added an organic, aged texture that gives a unique aesthetic. I might explore more layered approaches to intentionally create these delicate fissures.

3. Gelatin, Water, Glycerin, Vinegar, and Food Coloring

In this experiment, I poured the base into the mold and added food coloring afterward, gently swirling it to create a marbled effect. The colors melded into a mesmerizing pattern, and I’m thrilled that it’s drying without cracking. I love the potential here for controlled, vibrant color expression—a method I’ll definitely be repeating.

4. Agar, Glycerin, Water, Vinegar, Gelatin, Sawdust, Coffee, and Baking Soda

This recipe had an intriguing texture, thanks to the sawdust and coffee, though it did crack due to the large tray size. I trimmed the cracked sections to keep it manageable, and this was a reminder of how scale impacts structural integrity in agar-based materials. Even with cracks, the texture remained rich, evoking a rough, natural beauty.

5. Agar, Glycerin, Water, Vinegar, and Instant Coffee

I loved the transparency here, as the coffee created a subtle tint. Unfortunately, it did crack. However, I see potential for smaller, more controlled pieces using this mix, especially when aiming for a translucent, glass-like effect.

6. Agar, Glycerin, Water, Vinegar, Instant Coffee, and Natural Canvas

The texture and smell were really satisfying, as the canvas added a grounding, tactile quality that enhanced the piece’s sensory appeal. I’ll be revisiting this combination, as the canvas paired well with the agar and brought a new dimension to the material’s overall look and feel.

7. Marcela Stolen Tea, Agar, Glycerin, Water, Vinegar, and Natural Canvas

The color here was stunning—a natural, earthy tone that brought a broken glass-like appearance. Although it cracked, I’m beginning to embrace this material-driven design as a feature rather than a flaw. The crack added to the aesthetic, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection.

8. Agar, Gelcrin, Water, Vinegar, and Ground Coffee

This experiment was stable and crack-free, but to me, it felt uninspired. It’s too predictable compared to the textured and cracked surfaces I’ve been drawn to in other trials. While reliable, it might need additional elements to make it more visually engaging.

9. Agar, Glycerin, Water, Vinegar, and Matcha

This combination held up surprisingly well without cracking, showcasing stability that’s often hard to achieve with agar-based pieces. However, I wasn’t a fan of the color—perhaps the matcha’s green didn’t quite blend as naturally as I’d hoped. Still, this trial underscored the potential of this formula for future projects, especially when color isn’t the focus.

Reflection: Embracing Cracks and Textures

What I’m discovering is that working with these organic, reactive materials means accepting—and sometimes celebrating—imperfections. Cracks and textures emerge as the materials dry, shift, and settle, adding character and a sense of life to each piece. Embracing this unpredictability has helped me appreciate the beauty in what would normally be seen as flaws. As I continue experimenting, I’m curious to see how I can refine these materials while allowing them to remain true to their natural behaviors.

4o