The riddle of the mirror
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
Location:
P1 OPINNÄYTTEET D 2019 Erdem
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Author
Date
2019
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Contemporary Design
Language
en
Pages
129
Series
Abstract
The context of design is changing at a rapid pace. The impact of information technologies and digital creative tools continuously improving have revolutionized design practice. There has been a transition within the scope of a designer’s role - from simply giving form to a material to designing digital services. These developments have distanced design from tactile materiality. The designer, whose practice began as a material-based and rooted in the arts and crafts, must now rethink and reposition their creative processes and role within the current context of design. In this master thesis, I investigated this problem space by trying to answer the following research question: how does hands-on interaction with material influence the expressive and creative aspects of design practice? My method for investigating this research question is to engage in a practice-led research approach in which I explore the artistic potential of silver glass colors in glassblowing. I chose to research this topic in the field of glassblowing because of the intense physical interaction required between the artist and the material. In glassmaking, silver glass colors are used to create specific aesthetics, ranging from iridescent to silver mirrored surfaces. However, silver glass colors have been very challenging for many practitioners due to their unpredictable nature. I have considered this unpredictable material nature as a research opportunity to explore a reliable method of achieving silver mirrored results and to have artistic control of the wide metallic and iridescent palette. I have then applied these insights from material research to my artistic process and, with the help of relevant theory, I have reflected on both of these processes to investigate their intersection as a whole. My aim has been to determine the influence of hands-on material exploration on my design practice. The main findings are summarized in three points: 1) Hands-on interaction with the material has primarily influenced my early artistic vision and enhanced its expressive and creative aspects throughout my artistic production.2) Cyclical hands-on dialog with a material can support personal growth and help to develop an individual voice and creative expression; thus offering great potential for educational purposes. 3) The empirical data shows that silver glass colors provide a wide range of visual palette and can be preferred for local applications in particular, yet they require a long learning process to have control of them. This work provides information for readers who wish to know more about the role of hands-on studio practice and developing an individual voice through a creative process. Moreover, it presents helpful insights and data for people who are particularly interested in conducting material-based research in glassblowing and utilizing silver glass colors as an artistic technique.Description
Supervisor
Mäkelä, MaaritThesis advisor
Groth, CamillaTaviola, Kirsti
Keywords
hands-on, color, material, exploration, expression, glass, glassblowing, metallic luster
