DermaForest

process photo documentation: biomaterial experimentation

DermaForest is a hands-on material exploration of Scots pine, developed from research into the timber industry and the cultural, medical and biological properties of common local tree species.

Using needles, bark and roots from Scots pine trees I had planted, I processed them into fibres, dust, powders, saps and resins. Combined with agar, glycerine, wax and other ingredients, they produced bio-samples with contrasting textures and behaviours. Adapting porcelain slip-casting, I used porous gypsum moulds to shape the material and draw out moisture as it dried. The research then explored a temporary accessory worn close to the body, designed to hold Scots pine’s scent and properties while gradually dissolving through use.

Developed through Bio-Parallels (MA) and Parallelum, this material research later informed AuraForest.