Being with wool
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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en
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87 + 5
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Abstract
This thesis traces the practice of spinning raw Finnish wool into woven fabric, emphasizing how the methods of material gathering influence the making process. The wool was a gift offered by Aulikki Sydänlammi, who lives with her six companion sheep. By examining the alternative way of being with sheep—treating them as companions and gathering wool as an act of care rather than emphasizing its quality or quantity—the research delves into the process of making with wool. This reflective practice invites a re-evaluation of our relationship with other beings and challenges the human-nature divide in the dominant Western worldview . The motivation behind the research stems from the author’s Assamese heritage and the intertwined relationship between language, land, and material culture. The thesis positions itself against the backdrop of Western anthropocentric views, advocating for more inclusive perspectives that recognize the interconnectedness of humans and nature. By reflecting on the process of gathering and making the work highlights how craft practices can foster a deeper connection to the land and ecological awareness. Collaborating with Laura Kaker from the Visual Cultures, Curating and Contemporary Art (ViCCA) department at Aalto University, the practical component of the thesis emphasizes the importance of shared craft activities in knowledge building and broadening perspectives. The research is framed by theoretical discussions on paying attention, making-with material, and situated knowledge, offering a comprehensive understanding of how craft processes can illuminate the absences often overlooked in material engagement. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates how the act of making with wool, guided by attentiveness, allows for reflection and confrontation with the biases we have inherited from the industrial and scientific worldview, which do not serve us anymore. And gives us an opportunity to change our patterns of thought and action, aiding in becoming more responsible makers. Further, making presents moments of awe that enhance mental well-being and expand our sphere of care.Description
Supervisor
Niinimäki, KirsiThesis advisor
Hidalgo Uribe, LeonardoMohan, Mithila