Material Response: Shaping Sustainable Practices from Clay and Waste

Surface finishes including a bio based flour and linseed oil white wash paint (top)

Over the last few months, Chris has been leading Material Response - a collaborative research initiative developed with the University of Leeds School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, supported by the IGNITE Fund.

Bringing together students, academics, studio members and collaborators, the programme investigates the potential of construction waste materials within ceramic and unfired material systems - from triaxial clay testing and extrusion, through to clay plasters, fibre composites and natural colour extraction.

Beyond the materials themselves, the work raises wider questions around locality, permanence, sustainability and how makers relate to material systems.

Chris has now written a detailed reflection on the process behind the work, including the testing methodologies, material development and conversations that shaped it.

It’s a long read - intentionally so - and offers insight into the kind of material research, testing and curiosity that sits alongside studio practice at Sunken.

The programme culminates in the symposium:

Material Response: Shaping Sustainable Practices from Clay and Waste
Friday 5 June 2026

Alongside talks from invited practitioners, we’ll also be sharing research-in-progress developed through the programme.