Abstract

The paper addresses a research work on the diachronic aesthetic powers of hand-looming and interlacing techniques. The author also attempts to reveal the cultural significance of ancient handicraft techniques. The case study is an interaction of methods and techniques to incorporate local hand looming and weaving methodology in modern handicraft production. The research team investigated the possibility for modern jewels that result from the thorough study of specific methods, means and media related to weaving and interlacing, theoretically and practically. The focus was on the development of new quality jewelry designs and products that bear the local cultural identity, with the adaptation of traditional handicraft methodologies. The case study involves teaching projects in jewelry design, and investigates the practical and academic value of an extensive knowledge of craftsmanship. The new design proposals are based on selected classical and traditional local designs, created in the traditional handicraft manner. The teaching assignments and the total project intended to develop new educational strategies in Design/Textile Design Education, and wished to set up a line of research on innovation in the handicraft field. The work took place in the Textile Design Studio of the Faculty of Applied Arts and Design, TEI of Athens, Greece, with the active participation of academics and design students.

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About the Author:

The author is associated with Department of Graphic Arts and Design of Technological Educational Institution (TEI) of Athens.