For the last 11 weeks, me and my classmates have been doing a course in school. Each of us was assigned two companies to work with during those 11 weeks. For the first couple of weeks we went to visit these companies and get to know them better, the employees and their work methods. We did a lot of experiments with materials and in the end we presented a product. The product was not only a product, but more the process itself.

The companies I worked with were Málmsteypan Hella and Seglagerðin Ægir. Hella specializes in sand casting, both aluminium and copper, while Seglagerðin Ægir mostly work with industrial fabric like pvc and nylon and they do a lot of specialized sewing for clients. I did a lot of experiments with different fabrics from Seglagerðin, like yatch sailcloths and fire resistant fabrics. I developed a new technique to cast aluminum, but my aim was to try a different approach to sand casting. The technique gives different options to traditional sand casting; the mold is simply sewn together from a fire resistant material and consists of two parts. With this technique it’s easy to make almost any shape. After the mold has been sewn into a desirable shape it is dug in the sand and piping hot aluminum is poured into it. Both molds  are sprayed with graphite powder so the aluminium layer stuck to the fire resistant fabric does not stick to the melted aluminium. I used a “dipping” technique to flatten out the aluminum into a bowl like shape. The outcome, were differently shaped aluminium bowls that can be used as a base for a number of household items.

All of my classmates ended up with amazing results using various techniques. Each of us tried to develop something special and unique.

For the last two weeks of the course we had a graphic designer teaching us. In collaboration with him each of us made a brochure and as a group we designed an exhibition guide and the look of the exhibition itself.