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Title of Abstract:

Unravel, Respond and Reveal: Interpreting Histories for Contemporary Design (Ref #235)

Date:
08-01-2007 10:11:31
Status:
Accepted with revisions
Rating:
6
Details:
This paper promotes the use of historical textiles in contemporary textile design education. Our relationship between the past and the present is complex and respect for historical design material enables us to both assimilate and interpret the past. Shared knowledge through research of artefacts imbued with context and meaning, presents students with historical and socio-cultural context. Conceptual thinking and analysis allows and awareness of other cultures to develop, incorporating a sense of their history, culture and society. This allows interpretation and engenders individual responses empowering students.

The project section of this paper outlines the work of second year Textile Design History students at Massey University, Wellington. With skill and interpretation the students researched textile artefacts in museums, communicated online with fellow textile design students at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India. They developed an enhanced appreciation of historical, geographical, and socio-cultural issues providing a foundation for development of concepts for imaginative and innovative contemporary textile designs.

The students made significant progress in the material culture studies in a hands-on approach. In theoretical engagement with artefacts they explored issues and translated these into practical design solutions through thorough design processes. The young designers through their hearts, minds and vision met their muse, reflected on history, drew inspiration, and extracted the essence of historical textiles to present contemporary designs.

Textile design was elevated to art status and respect engendered for the medium. Skill and conceptual development empowers students to translate theory to practice, including interpretation in the design process. Students do not appropriate or copy, but interpret and make use of historical theoretical studies for the purpose of understanding. The ideas gain authority, ethically, and designs are culturally enhanced.

This research is a progression from my doctoral research of the influence of the Glasgow thread makers J & P Coats on textile design through the Needlework Development Scheme. It highlights the vital role of interpretation of artefacts in design and offers interesting new perspectives to the debates. Artefacts can be a magic key for textile design students, not only can they open the mind of the learner, they then reveal a vast cornucopia of endless challenge and opportunity.

Reviewer Comments:

Review #1 : Left on 12-01-2007 14:01:56 #
A very interesting study but I am at a loss as to where craft is playing a role. Interpretation is an important issue but unless the work/study was discussed in the context of the craft of textiles, I struggle to see the relation to the conference. Contextualisation of the need for this research is also needed.

6
Review #2 : Left on 29-01-2007 15:32:20 #
I agree with the 1st revewer, where is the craft aspect o the work, I understand what was achieved but how is this to be presented to a conference on the crafts? I am unsure as to whatexactly is the form of the preentation?

5