This final project is based on the Japanese philosophy of “Mottainai”. This word describes a philosophy of valuing the objects inherent personality and “soul” found through the use or being of the object. The style and process of the final artifact is inspired by the style of “Boro”, a Japanese style of making and reusing fabric during the Edo period. The final project is crafted in such a way that highlights the physical qualities found in the paper towel. This poetic transformation cultivates a second glance of what can be made using design and artistic methods.
As part of the first-year Affirming Artifacts class, students were asked to redesign the first piece of trash they threw out. In seven weeks, I took a paper towel on a journey through pattern making, material studies, performance and to finally create this artifact.
