Laure Gremion is an industrial designer from Switzerland. She graduated in 2012 with a degree in Industrial Design from ECAL (École cantonale d'art de Lausanne) and founded her own independent design studio in 2017. As a designer, she enjoys taking on challenging projects while focusing on simplicity of form and practical functionality, working in fields such as lighting, tableware, and outdoor products.
During her residency, Laure explored the theme "Re-union," reflecting on craft and materials. Her goal was to preserve traditional elements of craftsmanship while pushing the technical boundaries of materials and techniques. She sought to deconstruct and reconnect the relationships between structure and materials in birch bark and liuli crafts.
Laure visited Heihe City in Heilongjiang Province and Boshan District in Zibo City, Shandong Province, to study the local birch bark and liuli (colored glass) crafts during this residency. She researched and experimented with the characteristics and limitations of these crafts and materials, which inspired her to redesign the combinations of techniques and materials. While preserving traditional craft elements, she aimed to push the boundaries of traditional techniques and materials, reconnecting the structure and materials in the crafts.
【Hua Shu Pi: The Geometry of assembly】
The texture of birch bark typically extends in one direction, but different assembly techniques can achieve multiple directional texture effects within the same piece. The flexibility of birch bark also allows for interesting volumetric qualities. Laure studied the characteristics of birch bark through methods such as cutting, peeling, and boiling. Utilizing the material's strong flexibility and high plasticity, she experimented with various connection methods and forms.
When the birch bark is peeled away layer by layer, it reveals different shades of brown, white, and beige underneath. These layers are thin and soft, becoming more delicate as they are separated. Because of their thinness, light can pass through the bark, inspiring her to design and create a series of lampshades.
【Liu Li: Waste into Wonder】
With the assistance of artisans, discarded glass rods were cut and then dipped in high-temperature melted crystal-colored materials. This mixture was further melted in a high-temperature furnace, allowing it to blend with the molten colors before proceeding to the blowing and shaping processes. Due to the unpredictable nature of liuli, the discarded glass rods naturally fused with the colors, resulting in unique and variably random effects.
Laure experimented with various techniques and forms, incorporating traditional Chinese vessel shapes. Ultimately, she created a series of cups and vases that repurpose discarded color rods while integrating them with color materials.