Muuna
They are an experimental textiles studio that aim to push the boundaries of textile design beyond the traditional norm. Muuna presents visionary textile concepts with a specialized focus on woven and embroidery techniques. The collection in display uses embroidery stitch, laminating, weaving, bonding, appliqué, laser cutting, hand painting, fabric and manipulation to create unique textiles, often with a 3D effect.
Experimental Fabrics
Following my visit to Hoek van Holland, I augment what I have explored from the area to create new textiles and concepts. What comes to mind are waves and the structuring of seaweed.
Hoek van Holland Interview
As my area is of a coastal type, it caters to many tourists and local visitors alike. During high season it can get very busy and in order to satisfy the high flow of people, many snack bars, restaurants and lounges can be found. Other establishments that can be found include security services, events managing and tour guides and water sports.
To gain a greater insight on my area, I happen to come across the managers of De Zeebries and Dechi Beach of which were lounging near their establishments. Naturally they were talking about business therefore explained to me, the sharp change in visitors between high season (a younger overall demographic) and low season (an older overall demographic), and how that affects their economy. In terms of product design they mentioned strong winds and advise on having well built and heavier objects.
Based on my behavioral analysis of the people there, one can observe the majority have a short attention span and get bored easily. Therefore I have concluded that the most effective method on getting user input would be, to deploy some sort of multiple choice system. For example they insert a token in a box to represent their selected choice.
Textiel Museum Tilburg
TextielLab is a small but ultramodern version of a textile factory that demonstrates all the weaving, knitting, lasering, tufting and embroidery techniques in use today. Within the factory they experiment with the latest technologies and the most advanced machines. They also maintain and develop traditional craftsmanship and manufacturing skills. The factory showcases textile design, fashion, visual arts and industrial heritage masterpieces.
Material Swap
The following assignment includes me swapping my material prototype with my other classmates and creating a hybrid based on cues such as natural and coastal shapes from my materials with texture and 3D from my inspiration material.
External Designer
In order for me to get a better understanding about textiles and even get inspired in the process I have decided to interview the German artist Oksana Bergen, of which I found her works interesting during my Larnaca Biennale visit. The current installation in display comes from her Heart Bone series ‘Untitled’ and is made of stone paper. The piece caught my attention as she manages to create a large complex and delicate structure out of harder stone material of which in my opinions mimics Cypriot lace designs and cloths. Naturally it was a challenge at first, for her to work with this material and be able to manipulate it in such as way as she has done here. The greatest tips gained from the interview were for one to create as many experiments as possible even failed ones until one gets to grips with the new material and form. The final tip was that any form can be created out of a material not meant for it through pure perseverance and creativity.
Delft Excursion
Located in the beautiful city of Delft, Museum Prinsenhof and Royal Delft Museum both have history, tradition and much more to offer. Below I include photos of the museums and surrounding area, of which we were tasked to critically investigate the Delft ceramics industry.
HEMA Identity Research
Me along with Guusje, Sarah and Suze team up for the HEMA product challenge starting off with analyzing the company itself along with methods of operation and reach.
