Caramel Experimentations, 2020
For a project where I had to modify an existing chair and windows, I turned to caramel as a way to showcase the ephemerality of time and light. We had to make 3D models as part of the assignment, so I envisioned creating the windows out of caramel initially because I did not have access to many supplies (due to quarantine obligations). As my idea evolved, I realized the inherent fragility and temporality of caramel would work beautifully to bring attention to how quickly and moodily light — and therefore the whole environment — changes in even an instant. I created this vision in my head of the caramel window slowly melting, creating these gorgeous heavy drips, to then fall gracefully on the floor and somewhere coalesce into a chair. I wanted to embrace the reality of caramel — which is that it is sensitive to heat — but also introduce an element of magic and mystery into the room. So I acknowledged physics, but did not let it limit my imagination. The caramel would act as a bridge between the outside and inside — as windows do — a reminder that boundaries are always dissolving, shifting, and born again.
Working with caramel to make a 3D model proved to be harder than expected, so, unfortunately, I was unsuccesful in actually making the caramel window and chair. You can see my attempts above and below.
