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  1. Study of Ash to Ink




Study of INK TO ASH — Material [waste] Exploration
This project began with my interest in transforming cigarette ash—typically seen as waste—into something usable. My goal was to explore if ash, like traditional pigment, could be reimagined into usable ink. Through a series of systematic experiments, I segmented the process into three distinct stages, each documented in its own booklet.

In the first stage, I explored the potential of ash combined with gum arabic as a simple binder, adjusting the ash-to-binder ratio to observe how it influenced pigment intensity. The second stage expanded the experiment by testing a variety of binders—water, lime juice, vaseline, egg yolk, and resin—each applied using different mark-making techniques such as brushing, spraying, and stamping. I noted how each binder and technique altered the texture, drying time, and color strength. The final stage involved testing the effects of whisking methods on ink consistency, comparing the results of hand-whisked versus electric-mixed batches. The different textures revealed subtle variations in mark-making, from softer organic strokes to smoother, controlled lines.

Through this project, I redefined ash from a discarded material to a versatile, creative medium, challenging the notion of waste and emphasising how overlooked materials can be transformed into something purposeful with intention, process, and curiosity. Each stage was thoughtfully curated into separate booklets, allowing the viewer to engage with the evolution of the experiment and reflect on the progression from discarded ash to usable ink.

material used : cigarette ash