Limestone contamination in clay bodies is a major culprit in the ceramic process. The contaminated clay can be used and fired. The result may look rather fine. However, the fired clay body contaminated with lime (consisting of calcium carbonate) will expand with significant force when it is exposed to moisture in the air, causing flaking and shattering in the ceramic works days or even weeks after the firing. This is known as “lime pop”.

I am attracted to lime pop, which most of the ceramicists may refer to as a malfunction. The force and energy of it, its transformational nature, was an ideal element to capture the enthusiasm and excitement that people are feeling about the open source communities and these ever-changing digital objects. I carefully developed the recipe and firing process for this project in a controlled environment to capture the process of its force and transformation.

Below video (Rod Connector Remix) was created with three rod connectors files (y245 _length45_thicker, 4 way cross connector 11, Rod 90/18) that are a remix from the original (Every Rod Connector 3.0) which is available through ‘Thingiverse’ on-line. It is an example of how anyone can contribute to an existing file for slightly different purposes, and also share them to be altered, and used. These files are downloaded and 3D printed in plastic as a two-part mold. Then, these two parts are taped together and filled with my wet mixture of ceramic materials. It will then de-molded, dried and fired around 1000 -1200ºC (cone 06-6). These pieces are solid when they are fired. After the firing, I begin a time-lapse recording of the objects. The time-lapse recordings were done over 2-3 weeks. During this time, fired objects will expand and crumble into dust.