Serving Bowl - A Novel Approach to Tradition

Growing up, I spent countless hours turning logs into handcrafted salad bowls—a craft that was more than a hobby; it was a core part of my identity and the foundation of my journey into industrial design. During the pandemic, I decided to share these one-of-a-kind bowls with others, selling over 150 pieces and donating all proceeds—totaling $11,000—to Feeding America. This venture fueled my passion for combining artistry with purpose, and it sparked the idea to scale my work beyond individual handcrafted pieces.

After my first year in industrial design school, I was inspired by the molded plywood creations of Charles and Ray Eames, whose designs were celebrated for their beauty, functionality, and scalability. Recognizing a gap in the market, I envisioned a premium serving bowl crafted from molded plywood—a concept that had not been realized before. This challenge became a personal mission, driving me through four months of relentless experimentation and problem-solving. Despite being told by professionals that it couldn’t be done, I refused to give up, rethinking the molding process and tackling each manufacturing hurdle head-on. The prototype, while not perfect, was largely a success and demonstrated the viability of the concept. My goal is to refine this process further and eventually bring these bowls to market, with the hope of continuing to support those in need across the country. This project stands as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the impact of design that goes beyond aesthetics.

Industrial Design, Manufacturing Innovation, Sustainability