Sage

“Sage” was an exploration into the natural system of the Common Sage plant. This project was the first semester of research design I completed, and helped expand my processes and tools.

For the final critique in this project, I made an artifact based on the sage plant. The parameters of this portion of the project were to make an artifact specifically, and not an object of any recognizable purpose, function or form.

The biggest thing that drew me to the sage plant was the texture of the leaves. I was so interested in the soft feeling, and I was determined to explore that aspect of the plant.

This led me to exploring the trichomes on the leaf, or the hair-like projections that make the surface of the leaf bumpy and soft.

In the first part of the semester, we were tasked with researching our system, and creating various artifacts that could fit within a file folder, as an archive of the system.

I chose to focus on the physical qualities of sage that initially drew me to the plant. Creating the archive was enjoyable, as it allowed me to explore physical creation on a limited scale. For example, making sage paper, from pulverized printer paper and sage was a completely new process to me. Also, layering different artifacts and materials to create a cohesive story was a challenge, but satisfying when it all came together.

Archive Gallery:

  • Top of leaf, Middle, Magnified

  • Leaf Texture

  • Xerox Leaf Texture

  • Common Sage System Diagram

  • Clump of Sage