Imagine an edible book that melts instantly with hot water or biodegrades within a few months. How would you “consume” such a book? What sculptural form would this book take? What are the ingredients, textures, and flavors of this book?
In the world of artist’s books and zines, bioplastics present a unique opportunity at the intersection of art, science, and design. Incorporating methods and techniques from paper engineering and the book arts, we will mix new and traditional practices to explore the tensions and possibilities of bioplastics for design and education. During the workshop, participants will experiment with collaging or fusing different bioplastic samples together using water. The instructor will demonstrate various accordion folds typical in bookmaking and paper engineering. We will also learn how to manipulate the base recipe for bioplastics according to design or project needs and within the material’s possibilities. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to collage, fuse, and weave your own book-inspired bioplastic creations!