Material Connections in Craft Making: The case of felting

Bilge Aktas, Maarit Mäkelä, Tarja-Kaarina Laamanen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

This study examined a creative practice, namely felting, to explore the daily practices and encounters of felt makers. The study aimed at understanding the material connections of felt-making that are not limited to the making process. To examine how practices of felt makers emerge in connection to materials, we employed the material engagement theory as our perspective. The data was collected through interviews with eight felt makers and participant observation at two studios in Turkey. The analysis revealed how felt makers think between things, people, space and time and develop their practices accordingly. These findings illuminated a holistic and insightful understanding of the material’s role in shaping the practice and field. A more holistic and insightful approach can also propose being open to constantly renewing creative practices and recognising how its material connections affect other things and people.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of DRS2020
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherDesign Research Society
Pages2326-2343
Number of pages18
Volume5
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-912294-41-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2020
MoE publication typeA4 Conference publication
EventDesign Research Society International Conference - Virtual, Online, Australia
Duration: 11 Aug 202014 Aug 2020
http://drs2020.org/

Publication series

NameProceedings of DRS
ISSN (Electronic)2398-3132

Conference

ConferenceDesign Research Society International Conference
Abbreviated titleDRS
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityVirtual, Online
Period11/08/202014/08/2020
OtherVirtual Conference
Internet address

Keywords

  • felting
  • wool
  • creative practice
  • material engagement

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