Roskeagh

Ethical Making

Experiment

Sustainable

Well-being

This piece can fully biodegrade from 6 months, created using natural fibres and natural dyes. Inspired by Wabi-Sabi.

Material

Fiber
Other

Craft

Textiles

General Technique

Combining
Constructing
Surface modifying

Specific Technique

Knit, Embroidery, Natural dyeing

Properties & Qualities

Application

Furniture Furnishing

Colour

Brown White

Sample Information

Date of creation

April 2023

Dimensions

75cm x 45cm

Culture & Context

For my collection “Forged in Nature” I was greatly inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. The idea that there is beauty to be found in imperfection and impermanence, appreciating life’s natural cycle of growth and decay.

My subject of focus is my grandad’s welding shed. The years of work his tools have seen is evident in the dents, scrapes and discolouration they bear. Even though the space was left mostly untouched for some years, nature has continued to grow within it, creating constant movement. This wear-and-tear and weathering gives great character to his workplace, and is the focal point of my designs.

“Forged in Nature” hosts a series of interior drapery fabrics made entirely from natural fibres, including paper and wool, and natural dyes. Each piece was created in a circular design process, and can eventually biodegrade and return to the earth as bio-nutrients or return to production as technical nutrients.

Process & Production

This piece was created by machine knitting lambs wool and felted using a washing machine.

Once felted, I embroidered a second knitted linen piece on top using cotton thread.

Once embroidered, I put the piece through a second wash cycle.

Recipe Details

Materials include lambswool, linen and cotton.

Credits

Craft Maker

Lauren Gribben

Library Contributor

National College of Art & Design Ireland

Photographer

Lauren Gribben