jessica harris
the
merimbula
table
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Material Development
An exploration into creating new materials that can both repurpose waste, and replace existing, harmful options.
Object Design
A nurturing of the practice of connection of people through food, The Oyster Table creates a space that acts as food transport, a serving area and an intimate conversation space.
in use
At the conclusion of the design and construction of the table, I took the piece to Brighton-le-Sands Beach to take photos and test out its ability to bring people together, inviting strangers to share an oyster and chat with me. The table fulfilled its purpose
- stories were shared and oysters enjoyed.
FINAL RESULT
Through my research into the material of oysters, I became interested in the stories that surrounded the food. Stories of Indigenous meeting places and ‘middens’ of shells from feasts past... Stories of New York oyster saloons and the food that fed everyone from peasants to high society in hard times. Every source I found highlighted the foods ability to bring people together, inspiring me to create my own ‘meeting place’...
The Merimbula Table.
table creation
material development
Inspired by early uses of oyster shells in concrete in the 16th Century, I utilised a similar method to create a new eco-concrete. I fired oyster shells, adding the resulting calcium carbonate to water for an exothermic reaction that created ‘quick’ lime. I tested this lime in a number of different ratios with sand and Pozzulan until discovering the perfect consistency that cured and had the physical qualities I desired.
