Jessie French
Exploring Algae-Based Bioplastics and the Vision for a Regenerative World
The Myth of Nature – agaG1 [installation], 23rd Biennale of Sydney - rīvus, The Cutaway, Barangaroo, 12 March – 13 June 2022. Photos by Jessica Maurer.
In the vibrant city of Naarm, also known as Melbourne, Jessie French doesn't merely envision tomorrow's possibilities; she embodies them. As an artist and experimental designer, her work is firmly rooted in the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world, guided by three fundamental principles: conscious consumption, sustainability, and regeneration.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse tapestry of sources, including climate science reports and science fiction, Jessie delves into the profound potentials of coexistence on our planet, one unmistakably marked by the footprint of human activities. In this contemplative realm, she invites us to reflect on and envision new avenues of dwelling, not just among ourselves but in harmonious concert with all life forms.
Step into the world as seen through Jessie's eyes: transitioning into a post-petrochemical phase, a world vivid with possibilities spawned from the vibrant potential of algae. Jessie beckons us to join a thoughtful conversation about this dynamic resource, inspiring a cyclic harmony with regenerative materials. With Jessie as our guide, we explore closed-loop systems, where reusing is not just possible but a norm, weaving a narrative where our rapport with inanimate objects is as nurturing and harmonious as that found in nature. Her experimental design lab's initiation of OTHER MATTER in 2020 was a milestone in this journey, showcasing the groundbreaking potentials of algae-based bioplastics.
Jessie celebrates the ephemeral through her creations, coaxing us to appreciate the transient life of objects and encouraging a breakaway from the 'built-to-last' ideology. She incites a reflection on the true cost of the seemingly cheap and easily available products that leave an everlasting imprint on our ecology, urging a conscious acknowledgement of the environmental repercussions of our choices.
As she navigates the intricate terrains of today's environmental challenges, Jessie presents a blueprint of sustainable living grounded in our daily habits and choices. In this adventurous path, she partners with a special ally, the newly cultivated algae, a beacon of hope promising to breathe life back into our surroundings through a sustainable cycle of life and growth, steering clear from the fossil fuel-driven past.
Encouraged by Jessie's insight and creativity, there lies the promise of forging a legacy defined by symbiotic coexistence, showcasing the immense potential that arises when we synchronize with the rhythms of nature, engaging with it in mindful and considerate ways. This is more than an invitation: it is a call to action, urging individuals to engage actively in the creation of a thoughtful, regenerative and harmonious world that respects and cherishes the inherent beauty and wisdom of our natural environments.
Algae Bioplastic Tableware [series], 2021. Photos by Pier Carthew, art direction by Thalea Economo.
It’s Getting Hot in Here - 2022, Melbourne Design Fair, Craft Victoria, March 16 – 20 2022. Photos by Henry Trumble.
Response-ability is not a calculation to be performed – GH16, 23rd Biennale of Sydney - rīvus, The Cutaway, Barangaroo, 12 March – 13 June 2022. Photos by Jessica Maurer.
Algae Bioplastic Tableware [series], 2021. In-studio photos by Pier Carthew.
Photo by Benjamin Thompson for RIISE
Some Silken Moment - SOCIAL Gallery Salamanca Arts Centre - Photos by Jesse Hunniford
Some Silken Moment - SOCIAL Gallery Salamanca Arts Centre - Photos by Jesse Hunniford