open-source paint archive explores reusable biomaterials and earth pigments for fine art

open-source Experimental Paint Archive by Sophia Collender

The Experimental Paint Archive by Sophia Collender is a publicly accessible and open source collection of biodegradable, non-toxic, and reusable fine art materials. The history of paint is entwined with a history of material experimentation, and of people who have often taken considerable financial, physical, and environmental risks in order to attain specific visual effects.

jars of biodegradable paint | all images ©Sophia Collender

biomaterial experimentation rethinks traditional paint recipes

This project by artist Sophia Collender documents techniques through which the hazards associated with creating fine art materials from scratch can be minimized, and iterates upon the conventional pigment + binder + liquid vehicle formula. This project was created by iterating on historical paint recipes, biomaterials recipes, and existing precedents regarding conductive and magnetic materials. Most results were achieved by mixing materials by hand in ITP’s biomaterials lab and by cooking and mixing them at home in my kitchen. 

jars of biodegradable paint

magnetic paint surface

copper paint in journal

biomaterial paint samples

biodegradable paints

watercolors in journal

dripping material experiment

biomaterial/pigment sample

biodegradable paint sample

biomaterial/pigment sample

biomaterial pigment sample

project info:

name: The Experimental Paint Archive
artist: Sophia Collender | @sophia.eliiza

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom