WARM, FUZZY, TOXIC
Milkweed fiber exploration.
PROJECT INTRO
Warm, fuzzy, toxic is an explorative journey primarily centered around Milkweed fiber (Asclepias spp.) - a‘weed’ that provides a source of fiber which can be used as an alternative to carbon-heavy synthetics such as polyester, or conventionally grown cotton.
As a mechanism against predation, Milkweed species have developed several defense strategies, including toxic latex, that renders the plant unpalatable to most species.
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) - a threatened species of butterfly who migrate from north America to Mexico - are one of a few species that have adapted to the toxins, however, their species are in decline, partially believed to be due to the decreasing numbers of Milkweed plants driven by land use-change, converting prairies and grasslands into agricultural fields and other human developments. The use of the fiber can help support conservation efforts of Monarchs through the increase of cultivated Milkweed.
The Milkweed plant is also incredibly hardy and can grow and adapt to the harshest conditions, including soils laden with heavy-metals as witnessed by Common Milkweed’s ‘aggressive’ behavior in my Brooklyn backyard: our home and garden is situated on a double-superfund site with soil that contains high levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead and zinc. Around the neighborhood Milkweed is also seen popping out of cracks in the sidewalk and other purportedly ‘tamed’ areas.
Work displayed below is part of a larger ongoing project and includes a mix of personal research and explorations, alongside student research and projects, conducted by students at Parsons School of Design.
Tune in for updates - this page is a work in progress!
1 MATERIAL KIT // PAMPHLET
Illustrations for a pamphlet about Milkweed fiber, intended for the design community. The goal is to forward this fiber as an alternative to polyester and cotton, specifically using a holistic story-telling approach that considers the Milkweed plant not only a source of fiber, but as member of our extended ecosystem that supports pollinators and that protects soils. The pamphlet will be part of a Material Kit that will be distributed across material libraries, particularly in university settings. Research and graphics: Christine Facella.
2 COMMUNICATION // SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media graphics highlighting ecological and physiological characteristics of the Milkweed plant. Graphics by Alejandra Mateus, Carmen Oldham, Dinneth Espinoza Vela, and Christine Facella.
3 // SYSTEM
During our Product Design Studio 2, students researched alternative, more diverse cultivation methods for milkweed fiber as opposed to a monocultural approach. We focused on incorporating food plants for additional threatened insects, as well as plants that commonly coexist with milkweed species. Diverse agro-ecosystems support a wider range of insects, including pollinators and other beneficial species, and generally enhance overall ecosystem robustness due to their biodiversity.
Student research: Anja Reeder, Ray Wu, Carmen Oldham, Guy Maslaton, Ki Han Nam Lee, Ha-Lan Van, Kasper Bielecki, Pat Bifano, Dasha Iarotskaia, Stella Fu, Nomaki Etsu, Alejandra Mateus, Dami Bae, Oscar Wormuth. Final graphic layout: Christine Facella
4 // MILKWEED FIBER MODEL
Ceramic vases, inspired by 2d drawings of individual milkweed fibers, showcasing structure. This work was displayed at the show 'How do you Feel NY' during NY's Design Week. Beige and red stoneware, terracotta.