Tarcan / Exploring Craft-Design Relationship through Felting

Exploring Craft-Design Relationship through Felting A Process of Making-with Elements of Traditional and Contemporary Culture

Author: Berilsu Tarcan, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Supervisor: Ida Nilstad Pettersen, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Ferne Leigh Edwards, Postdoc Fellow Dr., Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Trond Are Øritsland, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Research stage: intermediate doctoral stage

Category: Artefact

Abstract

This artefact is a comparison of felting practices in different stages of making. To explore the connections between craft and design through a posthumanist perspective, a specific craft named felting is employed. Felting is a way of making with fibres, usually wool, using alkaline and hot water. By using wool, the transformation of material is observed through different stages of production. The proposed artefacts signify a relationship with the environment, and refer to traditional symbols through the act of making. For instance, the symbols laid down in the beginning refer to the process itself. With time the fibres laid down come together and the motifs/symbols start to entangle with the textile created from wool fibres. Through the process, their movements and changes in the fibres are observed. In the end, textiles with several symbols appear that give reference to traditional culture symbols.

Keywords: craft-design relationship, felting, making-with