Healing: A Conversation Between Friends
Role: Designer, Researcher, Maker, Wanderer, Friend, Photographer
I 2023
Objects, the silent keepers of our memory; the dining room table, a sanctuary for families to unravel the tapestry of the day’s events; the couch, where we nestle into the crevices of the soft cushioning sipping a glass of wine, enthralled by a good movie. In the vulnerability of our bed, we surrender to a deep, restorative slumber, releasing the day's tension. They carry our memories in their softened cushions, coffee-stained seats, and broken legs. Why is it that we discard the objects that bring such vitality into our lives? What would the canvas of our constructed environment look like, feel like without our objects? What if we saw pieces of furniture as vehicles for connection rather than mere commodities? Would we become more empathetic? More caring?
This is a 15-week investigation into reimagining the design process so that it may be cultivated in designing to re (new) instead of designing anew.
This is a 15-week investigation into reimagining the design process so that it may be cultivated in designing to re (new) instead of designing anew.
A Manifesto: Design Through Healing
Healing From the Environment
I found Paul on one of the rainiest and gloomiest days of the year in February; his pvc cover was drenched in water, his joints were weak, and his insides were starting to mold from the exposure to the harsh weather conditions.
To give him back his warmth, I hand-knit him a sweater
To give him back his warmth, I hand-knit him a sweater
Conversations With Friends
A series of interviews conducted with unloved pieces of furniture from January to April 2023
Healing to Restore Purpose
Emma’s ability to sit was taken from her when her glass table top was completely shattered years ago, her green paint was worn down, and parts of her wooden veneer had fallen off and exposed her internal structure.
In her journey back to purposefulness, I created a series of table tops that afford a more careful interaction with them because of their size and shape.
In the spots her veneer had fallen, I painted them in blue, similarly to the traditional art of kintsugi, as a way of highlighting the weak spots instead of hiding them away.
In her journey back to purposefulness, I created a series of table tops that afford a more careful interaction with them because of their size and shape.
In the spots her veneer had fallen, I painted them in blue, similarly to the traditional art of kintsugi, as a way of highlighting the weak spots instead of hiding them away.
On Our Special Objects & Aesthetic Values
A Conversation with Sam Bennett; maker, researcher, ethnographer, mender
Healing to be Part of a Home Again
Maria was left upside down in the middle of the street, she could still function, but because of years and years of heavy use, her cover was scratched, ripped, and stained by all of the memories she carries, leaving her with little trust in her ability to form a part of a home.
Using the technique I learned from the people that taught me how to build a home, I hand-knit Maria a cover using colors drawn from images of my family in the different places we’ve called home and in doing so Maria can be part of a home again.
Using the technique I learned from the people that taught me how to build a home, I hand-knit Maria a cover using colors drawn from images of my family in the different places we’ve called home and in doing so Maria can be part of a home again.
A special thank you to Ari Elefterin for encouraging exploration along this transformative journey
References:
Albers, Anni, Nicholas Fox Weber, Manuel Cirauqui, and T’ai Lin Smith. On weaving. Bethany, Conn: The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, 2017.
Aspelund, Karl. The design process. New York: Fairchild Books, 2022.
Bardt, Christopher. Material and mind. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2019.
Bennett, Jane. “The Force of Things.” Essay. In Vibrant Matter, 1–19. Duke University Press, 2010.
YANAGI, SOETSU. Beauty of Everyday Things. PENGUIN Books, 2019.
Albers, Anni, Nicholas Fox Weber, Manuel Cirauqui, and T’ai Lin Smith. On weaving. Bethany, Conn: The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation, 2017.
Aspelund, Karl. The design process. New York: Fairchild Books, 2022.
Bardt, Christopher. Material and mind. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2019.
Bennett, Jane. “The Force of Things.” Essay. In Vibrant Matter, 1–19. Duke University Press, 2010.
YANAGI, SOETSU. Beauty of Everyday Things. PENGUIN Books, 2019.