SYMBIOTIC GROWTH: Degree project

My project is inspired by the visual and tactile properties of lichen to reflect on how interacting with materials can enhance our emotional wellbeing. The symbiotic relationship between lichen and its facilitators, which enables it to grow, emulates the connection that people have with inanimate objects. By exploring these properties, the collection reflects upon how we can reconnect with our environment to encourage moments of calm. This exploration of lichen has been imagined as a collection of woven textiles for a protective interior space. The colours in my samples were carefully chosen to mimic the colours of lichen: greens and browns to be grounding, and yellow to bring a sense of resilience. Responsible design is important within my practice, with low impact materials, natural fibres, and second-hand yarns being used wherever possible to produce a collection that is considered and sustainable. Exploring weaving as a meditative practice also helped to soothe my own emotional wellbeing. The repetitive and methodical process provides rhythm and purpose, enabling me to create fabrics with the visual and tactile experience of the user in mind. The collection of woven fabrics moves towards building a space inspired by nature, with which the user can interact to produce a sense of calm and grounding.