Earthcasting
Sawhorse Table Process, 2022–2023. This experimental furniture project focused on crafting earth-cast legs, blending innovative techniques with inspirations from my Cosanti apprenticeship. The process began by harvesting local soil, discreetly collected from a UofA construction site, and refining it through sifting to remove gravel and debris.
Once the soil was prepared, we hydrated it and flattened it into a pancake shape by jumping on plywood boards. The soil surface was decorated with plants and carvings, drawing on techniques from my time at Cosanti. A wooden mold, built with 2x4s and reinforced with rebar and anchor bolts, was coated in epoxy for easy demolding. The anchor bolts extended through the bottom of the mold to allow wooden feet to be attached, enabling the legs to stand upright under their own weight.
The mold was placed over the carved earth, filled with concrete, and topped with additional plants and soil to create earth textures on both sides. This intricate process, completed over two semesters with seasonal foliage for winter and spring designs, resulted in the largest and most successful experimental furniture piece I’ve created, combining craftsmanship, environmental connection, and innovative casting.
Process Video:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2Np35VfSylo?feature=share