Jianing Li

Jianing is an interdisciplinary designer with an educational background. Focus on material research within handmade and craft. Committed to using the simplest raw materials to make valuable products.

For this Remanufactured Ceramics project is designed for solve the shortage of clay resources and to reuse the waste clay.

Clay is one of the main raw materials for pottery and ceramic making and has been in relatively high demand owing to its wide range of applications in construction, crafts and art making, among others. However, the availability of clay varies by geography and resource extraction. Some regions may face scarcity of clay resources, leading to insufficient supply or higher prices. In addition, environmental and sustainability issues may also have an impact on the availability of clay resources.

During my experience of studying ceramics in Jingdezhen, China, I found that 60% of clay is not actually used to make products, but is discarded during practice. Although the local area has proposed reuse measures, it is difficult to actually use the waste clay because of its high water content. So I adopted the 3D printing clay technology, which is more accept to the water content of the clay.

At the same time, I added discarded shells as raw materials, to increase the strength and stability of the ceramics, also adjust the texture and color of the ceramics. And the shape takes inspiration from some traditional chinese tableware.

Altogether, Re-Ceramics is a series of appliance use 3D print made from discarded clay and shell powder, designed to combination of sustainability and aesthetic styling.

• Materials researcher
• I believe material is the important part of the design language, capable of conveying emotion, expressing concepts, and imparting a unique texture. My research focuses on finding reusable waste materials, reprocessing to present new textures and structures, and to reveal different tactile and visual effects. Sustainability is the foundation of my materials research, but i'm doing more than that.
• Color dreamer
• Color is vital role in my design process. My understanding and use of color give my work emotion and expression. I research the psychology and cultural meaning of color to create color schemes that resonate with my target audience. I am used to using color contrast, saturation and lightness to create different atmospheres and moods.
• Sustainable designer
• My design approach focuses on sustainability innovation. I am committed to finding sustainable material choices and production processes that reduce the impact on the environment. In the future, I want to explore more renewable materials, recycled materials and degradable materials, devote myself to the sustainable development of the design field.