susan for susan sculpts stalactite-like lighting and otherworldly objects from cement + sand

susan for susan — the toronto-based artist brother duo, john and kevin watts — has debuted a new series of sculptural objects at the 2018 edition of the interior design show in toronto. crowned ‘best collection’ of the studio north section — IDS’s dedicated space for emerging designers and independent studios — the line comprises multiple unique pieces made from a mix of materials. pigmented cement, sand, polystyrene, blown glass, and electrical components come together to form abstractly-shaped, crudely-contoured forms reminiscent of otherworldly objects sourced from alien landscapes. 

all images by nathan legiehn

handmade by the watts brothers, the objects seek to celebrate process, balancing reason with experimentation to produce honest pieces that highlight the inherent qualities of the materials used. the pieces presented at IDS 2018 have been made using an acetone cement process — a technique which explores the chemical reaction between extruded polystyrene foam and acetone. the duo created molds for lighting and side tables by dispensing acetone onto large polystyrene blocks, which slowly generated voids and abstract apertures.

susan for susan then pigmented an amalgamated mixture of cement and sand, casting into the mold. once the cement cured, the remainder of the block was removed and the form was revealed. both the composition and textures of the finished cast become the physical manifestation of the reaction used to generate the mold. a palette of raw, earthy colors — with touches of toxic yellows and blues — appear as seemingly sculpted stalactites, gently illuminated by sinuous blown glass shades. 

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