Cast On is an exploration into the lost wax casting process, combined with knitting as a new form of designing through making cast objects.
Lost wax casting, also known as investment casting, is an established method in industry used to produce cast metal parts for applications in jewellery, dentistry, and engineering. This ancient technique is renowned for its ability to create detailed and precise forms, making it ideal for objects with thin walls, intricate details, and exacting tolerances.
In my research, I discovered that any object or material that burns or melts when fired in a kiln can be lost wax cast. This insight opened up new possibilities for experimentation by incorporating different materials into the process.
Knitting and crochet have been skills I’ve developed over the years. I learned to knit at a young age from my grandmother and picked up crochet with friends a few years ago. It became clear to me that needlework had potential beyond just creating garments.
By making 100% cotton knit samples, I explored the relationship between knitting and lost wax casting. These outcomes demonstrate how the process of casting knitted forms can determine the way that one manipulates them. Through techniques such as folding, pleating, and layering, this collection captures knitted forms in recycled aluminium, transforming them into permanent, intricately detailed vessels. Each form is unique when cast, yet they all adhere to the same parameters.
