You are here

My project, "You Are Here: The Power of Place and the Meaning in Making," explored the emotional and psychological connections between place, memory, and identity through slow-making practices like knitting, embroidery, patchwork, and natural dyeing. The goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how place influences memory and emotion, while also developing a more thoughtful and intuitive approach to creating textiles. Inspired by maps - both literal and metaphorical - I investigated the human instinct to map our surroundings and how that related to personal memory and identity.

I traced the contours of landscapes with hand-embroidered motifs, using various techniques including embroidery, patchwork, and digital explorations. This slower approach to making allowed me to form a deeper connection with my work, providing a better understanding of the materials I used. My research into different types of maps, from traditional to modern, and our increasing reliance on digital mapping, was integrated into my textile work, where I balanced creative inspiration with practical execution.

At the core of this project was the exploration of how place shapes personal memory, storytelling, and emotional connections. By reflecting on these themes, I sought to shape my future design practice with an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and personal growth.