Growing Crystals by Isaac Monté

photograph by  Isaac Monte

Isaac Monté teamed up with BioArt Laboratories Eindhoven for a research into stalagmites, resulting in the Crystal series.
"Each object is unique in shape, colour and texture, due to the organic development of the object."
The objects can take several weeks to grow, a tangible representation of the luxury of time.

Read all about it here on Isaac Monté's website.

Merdacotta / Cow dung clay

photograph via Materia

The idea for Merdacotta was born when a farmer in northern Italy called Gianantonio Locatelli realised that his 2,500 cows were producing 100,000 kilograms (220,462 pounds) of manure. In collaboration with architect and designer Luca Cipelletti, he wanted to do something productive with the poo and started the Merdacotta project.

Read more about this not-so-smelly material at Materia