2 Interconnectedness
Material concepts
Material Direction
“The future of the past is in the
future. The future of the present
is in the past. The future of the
future is in the present.”
Material Concepts
Paper
Paper is one of the materials featured in Interconnectedness; it is a clean and traditional material that can be made by hand. It is environmentally friendly and can be a substitute for wasteful textiles. Paper is a heritage material that is balanced and circular, inspired by Korean and Japanese heritage. Incorporating the use of paper, traditional production methods and materials are introduced in a contemporary context, in this way the traditional knowledge passes on to a new generation. Examples of ancient paper materials and textiles are Hansan-Mosi fabric and Hanji paper.
Left material, padded cotton Washi paper, 68% cotton 32% washi paper
Right material, woven strips of 100% bamboo Pari Pari paper yarn
New narratives
It is possible to create beautiful new stories by combining ingredients derived from products created earlier. By sewing diverse pieces together and using parts of previously made items in layers as patchwork, products evolve into new narratives. Products become conversations connecting people through history and time, with new themes, symbols and motifs appearing in altered contexts. The colourful materials are used in colour blocking, the design is inspired by flags, with creative interpretations of traditional symbols and nationalities mixed together so they coalesce into a new whole.
Left material, collage of mixed left-over fabrics
Right material, multicolour mixed pressed clay
Cohesion
Traditional handicraft techniques such as knitting, knotting, embroidering, and crochet are used in an enlarged and expanded manner, in order to reveal the materials’ coherence and connection. The materials seem to express the idea of human interconnectedness. Together, we form the structure of society and if a hole were to appear, that would damage this cohesion. Colourful threads are used, the colours are mixed together and are all of equal importance.
Left material, multicolour knitted cotton viscose blend with colour traces
Right material, loose mixed hand-dyed yarn machine sewn together
Wood & texture
Materials are used in such a way that they seem to contradict and distort our typical assumptions about them. Natural materials such as wood and wool are used to replace plastic. These materials are often fast-growing, they are renewable and do not harm the planet. Used in a modern and minimalist setting, they help bring some poetry, pattern and texture into our modern lives.
Left material, Alpi Savanne veneer
Right material, textured felted wool blend on finely knitted backing
