We have already had 2 months off for the summer, and this is one of the hardest times in the course apparently. I can see the maintaining momentum could be an issue. I started the summer with only a vague idea of what I wanted to do for my project. I kept coming up with different areas of research and numerous questions. I have therefore spent most of the summer just reading about each of the different topics, just to learn enough to know what I actually want to do.
I started the summer looking at ways of combining new materials, technologies and processes with the older methods and skills.
In July I went to some really great, free workshops at the Camden Arts Centre. The workshops were made up of people who had given their time freely to discuss their past times and pass on their skills. It was wonderful to be surrounded by passionate creative people, the atmosphere was wonderful and this really helped me decide that my research theme was most definitely going to be craft and the community.
In August I was back to bouncing between the idea of producing something with smart materials that used old crafting skills. But slowly my ideas came together and I began to realise that I could do this and include a community element as well.
I am now at the point where I am considering creating a product that helps communities, families, groups of friends interact together, learn new skills and learn more about smart materials. I think the perfect example of this is what Elena Corchero is doing with lost values. Elena 'inspires a future where design is environmental and emotional yet smart and playful'. She has combined smart materials so simply with ethical and locally manufactured items. Her values are wonderful, and I have been truly inspired by her business and her beautiful products.
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