Ten thousand drops

The dripping technique

The project results from a continuous experiment with the dripping machine MOCA we developed. The machine drips liquid clay/glaze through an interchangeable nozzle with a specific diameter. The drops fall into a plaster mould or baked pieces placed on the platform which rotates and moves on a X-axis. Everything is controlled by Arduino. Through the code we created, we can choose the speed and the movements of the platform, and therefore the ceramic outcome. Our machine is the link between crafts and industries: We can produce the same object at almost an industrial level, however, each piece is unique. We will drip glazing on top of the vase to create a mathematical pattern: 10,000 drops. Playing with the computer code, we want to push the limit of the technique and see how many combinations we can make. The project “Ten thousand drops” raises questions regarding aspects such as production, automation, individuality, mass production, and the role of uniqueness in the creative process. This exhibition will present the machine in operation along with videos to illustrate the process, allowing viewers to comprehend the intricacies of the methodology.