Resin as a tool

Having spent a lot of time in the nature I have discovered Resin to be a naturally occurring material found on trees. It is a sticky and viscous substance produced by some plants but mainly trees and has various medicinal purposes and properties.

In its most simplest function I found that resin was around when trees were in a state of healing, if the tree has a scar or wound it produces resin to heal it.

This sparked my interest into exploring resin on a deeper level to understand its variety in properties from medicinal to everyday use and how it can be used creatively.

Different types of resin from various plant species may offer distinct medicinal benefits.

common resins found from pine in turkey

Common resins used for medicinal purposes include those from trees like pine, frankincense, myrrh, and copal.

Frankincense (Boswellia):

Source: Frankincense is obtained from the resin of trees belonging to the Boswellia genus, primarily Boswellia sacra (found in the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa), Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense), and others.

Uses: Frankincense has a long history of use in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and perfumery. It is often burned as incense and is believed to have various health benefits.

Myrrh (Commiphora):

Source: Myrrh is derived from trees of the Commiphora genus, including Commiphora myrrha and Commiphora africana.

Uses: Myrrh has been used historically for its aromatic properties, as an ingredient in perfumes, and in traditional medicine for its potential antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Like frankincense, it has been used in religious rituals.

Copal:

Source: Copal is a term used for various tree resins, particularly those from the Protium and Bursera genera in the Burseraceae family.

Uses: Copal has been used as incense in traditional cultures, often in religious ceremonies. Different varieties of copal exist, and they may vary in appearance and scent.

Dammar (Dipterocarpaceae):

Source: Dammar resin is obtained from trees belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae family, including species like Shorea wiesneri.

Uses: Dammar resin is used in traditional art and varnishes due to its clear and glossy finish. It has also been used as incense.

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin):

Source: Benzoin resin comes from the Styrax benzoin tree, native to Southeast Asia.

Uses: Benzoin is used in perfumery, as a flavoring agent, and in traditional medicine. It has a sweet and warm fragrance.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum):

Source: Elemi resin is obtained from the Canarium luzonicum tree, native to the Philippines.

Uses: Elemi resin is used in perfumery and traditional medicine. It has a fresh, lemony scent and is valued for its aromatic properties.

Dragon's Blood (Daemonorops spp. and Dracaena spp.):

Source: Dragon's blood is obtained from the resin of various plant species, including Daemonorops palms and Dracaena trees.

Uses: Dragon's blood has been used historically as a dye, in traditional medicine, and as incense. It has a deep red color and a unique scent.

These natural resins have cultural, historical, and economic significance. They are valued for their aromatic properties, religious and ceremonial uses, as well as their applications in traditional medicine and craftsmanship.

creative potentialities with resin

Resin Art Painting:

Create stunning abstract or landscape paintings using colored resin. Pour layers of tinted resin onto a canvas, manipulating it to achieve desired patterns and effects. You can embed objects or create 3D textures within the layers.

Resin Jewelry Making:

Craft beautiful jewelry pieces by casting resin into molds. Embed dried flowers, colorful pigments, or other small objects to create unique pendants, earrings, bracelets, and rings.

Resin Coasters and Placemats:

Design personalized coasters or placemats by pouring resin into molds. Add pigment, glitter, or embed small objects like shells, beads, or images to create functional and decorative items for your home.

Resin Sculptures and Figurines:

Sculpt miniature figurines or larger sculptures using resin. Mix pigments or dyes to create vibrant colors, and experiment with different molds or freeform sculpting techniques.

Resin Embedments in Wood:

Combine resin with wood by pouring it into carved or live-edge wooden pieces. This creates a captivating fusion of natural wood and glossy resin. You can embed objects like stones, shells, or small trinkets for added interest.

Resin Mosaics:

Create mosaic-style artworks by embedding small tiles, glass pieces, or colored resin sections into a larger resin pour. This technique allows for intricate and colorful designs.

Resin Photo Transfers:

Transfer printed images or photographs onto resin-coated surfaces. This technique can be used on various substrates, such as wood, canvas, or even furniture, to create personalized and visually appealing pieces.

Resin River Tables:

Craft beautiful "river" tables by pouring tinted resin between two pieces of wood, creating the illusion of a flowing river. Add pigments or embedments to enhance the visual impact.

Resin Petri Dish Art:

Create vibrant and abstract artwork by using the resin pour technique in petri dishes. Add alcohol inks, pigments, or other colorants to achieve mesmerizing effects resembling microscopic patterns.

Resin Homeware:

Design custom homeware items such as bowls, trays, or decorative items by pouring resin into molds. Incorporate colors, textures, or embed objects to suit your aesthetic.

Resin Geodes:

Recreate the look of geodes by layering and pouring resin into a circular mold. Add colored pigments and glitter to mimic the appearance of crystals and gemstones.

Resin Inlay in Woodworking:

Use resin to fill voids, cracks, or knots in wood, creating a smooth and polished finish. You can add color pigments or embed small objects for added visual interest.

medicinal properties

Anti-Inflammatory:

Resins often contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically or consumed, they may help reduce inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis or inflammatory skin conditions.

Antibacterial and Antifungal:

Some resins exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. They may be used to treat wounds, cuts, or fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Wound Healing:

Resins have traditionally been used to promote wound healing. Their antiseptic properties may help prevent infection, and their ability to form a protective barrier can aid in the healing process.

Respiratory Support:

Certain resins, such as those from trees like pine, may have respiratory benefits. Inhaling the vapors or using resin-based products may help relieve congestion and soothe respiratory discomfort.

Pain Relief:

Resins, when applied topically or used in certain formulations, may have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. They may be used to alleviate pain associated with conditions like muscle soreness or joint pain.

Cough and Cold Relief:

Resin vapors, often released through steam distillation or inhalation, may help soothe coughs and cold symptoms. They can have a calming effect on the respiratory system.

Skin Care:

Resin's antimicrobial properties make it useful in skincare. It may be included in formulations to address acne, eczema, or other skin conditions. Some resins are believed to have rejuvenating effects on the skin.

Anti-Aging:

Certain resins are rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This may contribute to anti-aging effects when used in skincare products.

Aromatherapy:

The aromatic properties of resin, especially when derived from aromatic trees, can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and create a calming atmosphere.

Gastrointestinal Health:

Resins may have mild laxative properties and could be used to support gastrointestinal health. However, this should be done cautiously and under proper guidance.

Processing and working with resin

On this trail of discovery I found that there are many ways to work with resin medicinally and creatively.

The first most important part of this discovery was to learn how to take it from its raw and natural form, and turn it into its highest potential.

Having extracted resin from pine trees I found it to be an incredibly sticky substance, almost impossible to remove from the hands once extracted.

In order to work with this sticky substance it first needs to be frozen to reduce its sticky viscosity.

After freezing it can be crushed into a fine powder and from here we are able to begin working with the resin. There are a few options available.

Keeping the resin as is:

Keeping the resin as it would involve working with the chunks and powder in its most natural state. This can be used for making textures, resists, moulds, painting and many other possibilities.

Melting it:

You can melt the resin into its most liquid form by putting a glass bowl over hot water and allowing it to return back to its most liquid state. After heating the resin will cool fast so if wanting to mould it, or use it for creative practices its important to work fast at this point.

Extracting its properties:

You can use the resin together with a binding and extracting form like oil or alcohol to extract its medicinal properties and retain it in a liquid form. In this way the resin stays liquid, its sticky properties are reduced and all its medicinal properties have been extracted.

There are multiple ways of working with resin but it depends on the intention and what results one is looking to get. For me I was interested in the creative potential to use resin as a resist on fabric.

As well as also using resin for its medicinal properties to see how it can heal human skin and aid the physical process of the body similarly to the way it aids trees.

Resin research conclusions

Resin's versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it a popular material in a wide range of creative and medicinal applications. The specific properties and applications of resin can vary widely based on its composition and intended use.

From this time I have discovered a deeper potentiality for how to work with nature in a way that is far more indepth than taking nature as inspiration for works. In this way it is not only inspiration but it is also a tool with unlimited potential and has a wider body of knowledge to learn from.

When you begin to work with natures materials in a deeper and more scientific way there is much to learn and to expand on. It seems like an unlimited field.

This research purely came from an interest in a reocccurring material that I kept on encountering. If I were to expand my research into all the natural materials and plants that occur I would build a very large body of knowledge and information that would be suitable for understanding nature in a more intimate and genuine way.

To understand more clearly how we can work together with nature for its more suitable potential and in alignment with the true reality of nature and what she has to offer.