NEW ROCKS

(2023-2024)

Photo by Carlfried Verwaayen

New Rocks is a collection of naturally sculpted rocks produced with stones, sand and iron-ore from Luxembourgish quarries and closed mines, combined with waste construction materials and natural binding resources. It is a material research about rocks and their formation, inspired by Luxembourgish environments. The new rock is close to its original state, build with conditioned/natural materials, without impact on nature and above all it preserves its soul.

I chose to work with 4 rock-formations; Through sedimentation, erosion, crystallization and volcanic rock formation, a group of flat topped rocks (coffee table, side table) and a collection of table jewelry (bijoux de table) take shape. When first processed, the material resembles powder or clay which is then treated to enrich the mineral composition, the different densities and proportion to keep the product brutal. By using diverse recent and ancient craftsmanship techniques (Bloomery furnace, Heron’s fountain, moulds and other tools) it was possible to imitate elements such as fire, water and pressure to sculpt the new rocks. The association of natural materials and recycled construction waste are conditioned to decompose in nature and bring added value to the ground through its mineral composition. Flirting with the functional/non-functional and the raw/natural, the objects are adapted to diverse human use but also adapted to erode sustainably and peacefully in nature.

Types of Rocks and Sand used:
Sandstone
Limestone
Iron Ore
Dolomie

Binding Materials (natural origin)
Salt
Starch

Source of the materials :

Mine «Bois de Rodange», Rodange
MNMines de Fer Luxembourgoise, Rumelange
Carrière Cloos Differdange
Carrière Feidt Senningerberg