RESTORATION TRIPTYCH, slip cast white stoneware, glazed, 2026.
Glaze application by Micah Zhu.
A table set based on a foreskin restoration device. I found a 3D-printable digital model of a DTR (dual-tension restorer) device, on a foreskin restoration forum, uploaded by an anonymous user for the community to use. Designed to be scaled to the size of the user printed, and assembled with glue and rubber bands. Its 3 parts look just like a cup, a bowl and a bottle, so I printed them large and used them to create plaster molds for slip casting. This is the first set produced with these molds - and the first time I use ceramics to make actual vessels.
The research informing this project is both complex and heartbreaking. Foreskin restoration has its own subculture in the USA, where many men resent having been circumcised as babies. They wish to restore what was taken from them. The restoration process is long and painful, requiring them to wear these devices under their clothes for years. Now you can also use them to have tea, soup or shots.