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My project involved exploring different fabric weaving techniques and post weaving felting of wool to create innovative fabric and surfaces. I studied traditional Indian techniques related to fulling of wool and interweaving their sensibilities into the present-day context in end usage for apparel accessories (stoles, scarves, shawls). I researched various techniques in adding value to wool and studied traditions of woolen textiles practiced in Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh.
Since my sponsor, Neeru Kumar, caters to Japanese clients, I also studied the ideology of Wabi Sabi which informs the study of Japanese aesthetics. At the core of Wabi Sabi is the importance of transcending ways of looking and thinking about things and existence – in that All things are imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.
A key challenge is that, given the absence of facilities to carry out small-scale experiments, explorations were carried out first at NID and then carried further to Delhi to select prototypes for further exploration.
The biggest learning from this experience is in working with different people who each have their own personalities, working style and pace of working. I cultivated sensitivity to these factors and learned to work as part of a system. I learned to develop relationships with exchange and acceptance and gained a sensitivity to the synchronization of several factors in an ‘eco-system’ such as markets, suppliers, buyers, workers, employees etc.
Through this project, I developed an awareness that design is not just about creativity. Design is more of a direction that evolves through the views of the various stakeholders involved in the process of production. |