Arts Thread

When access to clean water is becoming increasingly uncertain, this project explores how humans can secure access to clean water in their everyday lives. By working with porous ceramics, the project investigates slow filtration and how vessels can be shaped to both purify and store water. The porosity of the ceramic filters out bacteria through a slow process where gravity and material interact. Ceramic water filters work by creating a physical barrier where pores trap bacteria, particles, and turbidity. Earthenware clay is mixed with sawdust and fired in a way that creates porosity, enabling filtration. When fired, the sawdust burns away, forming small pores in the ceramic. Ceramic water filters are typically produced using compression molding. To improve filtration, I used clay 3D-printing as my production method. I was able to reduce cracking and gain greater control over the form, wall thickness, and material structure. Inspired by ancient water purifying methods the forms move toward familiar shapes and propose durable objects that integrate into daily habits.