The master’s thesis, titled “Vrtičkanje, Prtičkanje” (A Garden of Fabrics), presents an artistic reflection on the contrasts of our daily lives, framed as a reconstruction between digital and artisanal ways of creation in textiles.
The aim of the work was to revive forgotten textiles such as kitchen towels, textile handkerchiefs, tablecloths, and bed linen, which I found impressive with their traditional patterns, embroideries, prints, lacework, and traces of (non)use. I was curious how they used them in the past and why many of them were still packaged in their original wrappers. These textiles were so precious and refined that they might have been used only once a year, if at all; they waited in drawers, carefully stored in closets to avoid any harm. They were passed down from generation to generation until they lost their significance. In a box in the attic, where the ravages of time took their toll, they awaited their final day.
In the theoretical part, I explored the significance of sentimental value in our lives, followed by an overview of the history of selected household textiles. I also presented the development of Slovenian ornamentation and rich textile heritage. Subsequently, through the atmosphere that textiles bring into a space, I introduced interior textiles by showcasing interesting textile brands and fashion designers who combine the principles of textile reuse and cultural heritage in designing new products.
In the experimental part, following the feelings evoked by the selected textile pieces, I presented a multi-layered design and the process of developing textile techniques based on reuse principles to extend the lifespan of textiles. The design of new patterns was presented at the Textile Art Biennial in Kranj, then in the form of bed linen and a clothing collection, as well as the design of jewelry and footwear consistent with the collection is derived from the presented techniques. To conclude the interpretation of the use of household textiles in contemporary products, I presented the work through editorial photography in both a studio and a natural setting.
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