Journal #14

Post tutorial with Jeffrey Horsley:

Discussed different narratives that were identified from my research. 
1. Mending & Alterations: The spectrum of mending and why it is usually done 
2. A sub-division--focus on a category and go deep
3. Mending/Altering Versus Re-purposing
4. Aesthetics versus Social History of Mending
5. A linear narrative; from the humblest to the most depersonalized 

Things to think about:
-Mending/Alterations- are a way to add adaptability to objects
-Aestetics- is the line between Critical/Utilitarian mending and Fabricated Wear and tear blurring?
-Value- what value does mending add to a garment? the threshold that pushes it to beyond being an object and gives it an almost mystical aura...

​

Organic
Mending
Alterations
Personal
Amateur
​Humble

Manufactured (eg torn jeans)
Repurposed
Distressing
Professional
​Artist
Industrial
Treat waste as raw material

Possible concepts to look into:
-Wabi Sabi
-Contemporary aesthetics eg Margiela's use of white, not to hide or erase, but to create another layer..
-Performativity in exhibitions -how is craft 'performed'? eg Herme's laundry room & the aesthetics of a place of upkeep (laundry) 
- Case studies for craft in action: Maker's House (Burberry), LV Series 3, Hermes Laundry room

Made me think back to the Architecture Biennale I saw in Venice and the open lab installation showing sustainable materials made from waste.