Title

Belleek Wave

dimensions

18’-0” (w) x 8’-0” (h) x 2” (d)

Material

3D printed ceramic panels

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Belleek Wave was commissioned by New Jersey Economic Development Authority for the new Taxation Building in Trenton, New Jersey.

When researching the site, I was excited to discover the Willets Manufacturing Company of Trenton that produced ceramics in the late nineteenth century, some of which are now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of their techniques was Belleek Baskets, a style of ceramics that requires a delicate application of thin strips of clay to create woven, undulating patterns. Since 3D printing is also about the layering of strips of wet clay, I was inspired to consider how this technique could translate to contemporary work.

Through extensive prototyping, I developed a three-dimensional tile that looks delicate, while being robust enough to sustain ongoing exposure to the public. Belleek Wave will be part of the building’s welcome experience, greeting everyone coming to conduct business at the Taxation Building. I designed it to be soothing through a uniform color and graphic pattern that evokes the calm movement of water. Most employees and visitors will view the piece while entering the building and then while waiting in the lobby. From those distances, the ripples will be perceivable, and for those people who choose to come closer, the details of the depth and texture will be revealed. The play of light and shadow on the tiles will also vary over the course of each day and due to outside weather conditions, changing the piece upon each viewing. These layers of discovery will keep this piece dynamic for all those that view it throughout the year.

Client: New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

Architect: Ballinger