The Protein project is an investigation into the use of cow’s milk proteins as a natural material for the handcrafted production of sculptures, objects, and furniture. Milk has been a fundamental part of cultures and civilisations throughout the ages; it was of such high value that the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for the word milk resembles the verb ”to make”. Originating from an interest in pre-industrial plastics – particularly the processes used to create materials prior to the mass-manufacture of synthetics - the project draws inspiration from the past to influence the future of making. The material utilises milk sourced from the waste generated by organic farms in England, and is sponsored by Hook & Son Farm. The project does not support industrial farming, but instead seeks to re-envision surplus milk as a resourceful and valuable raw material.
Images
