OUGD601 / Evaluation

Throughout this module I have developed my research skills textually, as I have examined certain pieces of writing in in-depth, analytical ways. I have also developed my critical writing abilities, this has helped to prove a particular argument and with triangulation.

In terms of the practical element I have learnt many techniques with weaving that come with doing a long piece like this. This will make future weaving projects easier as I will be well informed. Basing the weaving on a translation between hand-made and digital is something that has been embraced in this project, before I would strive for a more exact replica but accepting these differences make it unique. Also, to take the time to do one thing at a time, reading in to Honore’s writings not the Slow Movement I have found it rewarding to take the time and try to not multi-task when I have the chance. This is the same for using my hands, having a project solely using my hands run simultaneously along a heavy textual project benefitted both areas I was using very different parts of my brain. It allowed for clear breaks from each side, this made the whole study enjoyable and helped keep me focussed.

The primary research in this project has been a strength as I was able to understand the theory raised in current hand-made practitioners by asking them specific questions. Also, the weaving acted as effecting first hand research as I was able to test these theories through the process. I will definitely be approaching briefs in a hands on way to extend what I have learnt and put it in to practice.

I believe this brief could have been taken further, this could have been done by gathering more primary research on hand-made practitioners as well as speaking to digital designers to compare and therefore have a more extensive broad study.

One thing I would do differently next time would be to start reading a lot earlier, due to not knowing the area of study I wanted to focus in this delayed the reading/research time, meaning I had to catch up quickly. This meant that I sometimes lost track of where certain quotes came from and then had to spend time later finding them again. If I had thought about this project more over summer I would have come to topic sooner and therefore having more broad range of thorough research behind me to start with.

Another thing I would do differently is leave more time to figure out a way of getting the weaving on the pipe. This seemed like a minor task but proved to be a lot harder than I presumed. Having figured this out would have resulted in a much neater top section of the weaving.

OUGD601 / Synthesis

The practical element of this research project reinforces the critical theory raised throughout the essay. This was accomplished by practicing the findings written about, such as the Slow Movement. The process of weaving the large tapestry was lengthy and tedious but allowed for a first hand experience of the benefits of taking the time to focus on one single technique. By creating a practical outcome that involves entirely handwork to make it, it demonstrates a deeper understanding on the haptic, as well as Walter Benjamin’s theory on the aura as the value could be perceived and interpreted when finished. 

Helvetica has been used as this is seen as the standard digital font and the colour IK blue (often paired with light pink) has been experimented with due to its association currently with digital graphic design. (There is a category for pieces of design using this colour on Trend List).
Looking in to Esteves rugs by GUR was helpful, the limitations between digital design and hand-made design were made aware of and Esteves explained that these limitations aren’t necessarily a draw back but more its own adaptation, which makes the piece unique and its own.

“I find very important to keep these techniques alive. A GUR is never a copy of the original design. It is the translation of that into this technique with all its mistakes and limitations, allowing us to discover new ways to work. In the end, it is always a surprise—usually a good one.” Esteves, C. (2015)

The whole process involved a lot of trial and error and many times parts of the weaving had to be unravelled. This was frustrating and most of all incredibly time consuming however the satisfaction and sense of achievement that was felt after finishing it verified the project to be a success. This relates back to Nick’s answer when asked whether he found this slower process rewarding, “It teaches us about ourselves. It's methodical. Meditative. INFURIATING…” (see Appendix 1). When parts of the weaving had to be started over it was infuriating, although also satisfactory to be frustrated at something that had a clear, physical way of resolving unlike when things go wrong on the computer.

The practical side of the project was started a long time in advance of the deadline to ensure the slow process wasn’t rushed, this allowed time for mistakes. Having set aside this time dedicated solely to weaving, the psychological effects of slowly creating something with my hands became more apparent. Referring back to chapter 2 Dissanayake’s writings explain the satisfactory feeling well.

“…the sheer enjoyment of making something exist that didn’t exist before, of using one’s own agency, dexterity, feelings and judgement to mould, form, touch, hold and craft physical materials, apart from anticipating the fact of its eventual beauty, uniqueness or usefulness.” Dissanayake (1995)

The practical outcome reinforces the value as it’s a one off hand-made piece, this relates to the discussion in chapter 2 on Benjamin’s aura theory; it’s uniqueness cannot be reproduced therefore it holds authenticity. Knowing the time and word that has gone in to the piece brings it sentimental value also. This factor alone distinguishes hand-made from digital and manufactured; the time and care with which it has been made and the fact they have been made by one of our own. Flaying (2011)

OUGD601 / Practical 7 (FINISHED)

The weaving has been finished and taken off the loom and has been hung on a copper pipe. Overall I am happy with the finished outcome as it has reinforced all the theory explored throughout the essay. It holds a personal value for me as I know the time and work behind it, this rises the value for me.  

OUGD601 / Practical 6

About a third left to go... it is very tedious at times but rewarding as every bit of work put in shows in front of you, creating something like this by hand definitely gives great satisfaction. There has been many learning curves also within the technique of weaving throughout this project.

OUGD601 / Primary Research / Interview with Knotsproject

Q: Do you think some people think that hand-made design (like Knotsproject) is elitist?

A: I don’t think elitist is the right word, I think people are unaware of the process a product or design has gone through and buy into the look or feel of something, or whether it fits in to their home. I think handmade processes are becoming more popular again, maybe a resistance from technology advances. People are possibly wanting a balance, or for handmade and technology to sit together in harmony. I think people still question the prices of handmade products as there is a lot of accessible, cheaper alternatives. I think it is easy to get caught up in a creative bubble where you think everyone thinks the same, or knows the same or likes the same things as you!

Q: Do you find this slower process of printing / using your hands rewarding?

A: I think being caught up in technology and the chaos of everyday life it is nice to sit down and work through a hand made process. I personally think your brain works completely differently and you start to see and develop various outcomes. I think it is a continuous process, something that is never finished. Setting your own deadlines, or intentions for an outcome are important or it can get so frustrating you never want to make work again. But I think it is rewarding on a personal level.

Q: Do you think the value of hand-made design is rising or decreasing in the digital age?

A: I think it will always be up and down, reacting to the world around. I think people are seeking a balance. The value is looked at in different ways. A digital, mass produced object doesn’t represent the same value as a handmade object. You also have sentimental value and I believe this will come above any of the others whether it is handmade or digital. You can’t judge whether the ‘value’ of handmade design is rising or decreasing without doing a huge research project…

Q: Some would argue these what you make could be reproduced on a mass scale for cheaper and faster, what do you think to this?

A: A lot of products can be reproduced on a cheaper, larger scale, if you think too much about this I guess you start to question what’s the point and it can turn into a negative barrier between you and your ideas and outcomes. I think some people will buy into a narrative of the brand or the quality of a brand and this is a selling point over the larger companies. You can lose quality when you scale something up.

OUGD601 / Practical 5

The letter has been completed and now the background has to be done. This will take a lot longer as there is a lot more background than letter. I have been enjoying the project so far though - it has been rewarding creating something physical in front of me, even when it goes wrong it's satisfying being able to fix it unlike when something goes wrong on the computer, (crashing) or something I can't figure out on Illustrator / InDesign / Photoshop.

OUGD601 / Practical 4

A start has been made with the weaving. The colour way pink and blue (IK blue) has been chosen to mimic a current colour way trend popular with digital graphic design.

Recreating the letter on the loom means that it’s smooth straight lines are lost and instead replaced by a zig zagged version. 

I have attempted to make an early start with this as I am aware it is a slow process. So far I have struggled with getting the angle of the stem on the A - a lot had to be un-done and tried again - a lot of trial and error at the start. 

(In the 2 last images I am attempting to interpret the angle of the stem depending on the number of weavings per line)