Last Word: Crafting the Future

With an eye on the future, Iris Lucia uses new technologies to create novel renditions of the objects we have always known.

When we think of 3D printed objects, we think of things that are quite dense and rigid. Yet, your whimsical works are a thing of very delicate beauty. Tell us how you create your works. 

All my objects are 3D drawn with lines consisting of bio-resin. Everyday objects like a vase or a teapot are sketched with a pen in space. It’s a futuristic craft where each piece is unique and special because the desired object is immediately given volume. It literally explores the boundaries of form, between the lines, raising fundamental questions: How much material do we need? How lightly can we live?

How important is it that your works are as sustainable as possible for this type of medium? 

Sustainability is very important to me, and it is a key factor in my choice of materials. Using bio-resin is my way of minimising the impact on the environment, while still creating unique and beautiful pieces.

What made you want to explore everyday objects like vases or teapots? 

They have a certain familiarity and meaning in our lives. By exploring them through design, I am able to create a new perspective on the things we use every day. It’s a way of adding beauty and meaning to the mundane.

As 3D printing technology has advanced, how has your process of creation changed with it? 

It has allowed me to create more complex and detailed pieces. I see 3D printing as a tool that allows me to explore new forms and shapes in my art. It gives me the ability to create unique and personalised pieces that would be impossible to create with traditional manufacturing techniques.

You describe your craft as futuristic. Where do you plan to take 3D printing and the work you produce in the future as this technology continues to improve? 

3D printing is a tool that will continue to evolve and improve, allowing me to create even more complex and detailed pieces. I plan to continue exploring new forms and materials, pushing the boundaries of design and sustainability. 

Do you have an art collection at home? If so, any names you would like to mention?

Yes, I have a small art collection at home, mostly consisting of works from emerging artists. Some
of my favourite artists include Olafur Eliasson and Anish Kapoor.

Above: Iris Lucia, Set of 2 Design Candles, 2020. Biodegradable print filament, 4 x 22cm each.

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