https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com
One of my favourite (spiritual, language, teaching, world navagating) books is Braiding Sweetgrass. – reading Design for the Pluiverse made me think about the parallels and connections between the two books
They both speak of a holistic/ interconnected approach to design and moving through the world.
Interconnectedness: the interconnectedness of all living beings, including humans, plants, animals, and the land. They recognize that everything is connected and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.
Diversity: many different ways of being and living in the world, each with own unique strengths and contributions
Reciprocity: giving back to the earth and other living beings. we are not the only ones who have needs and desires and that we have a responsibility to take care of the earth and all its inhabitants (peoples, animals, plants, fungi, protist and monera.
Intergenerational knowledge: recognizing the importance of learning from the wisdom of our ancestors and passing that knowledge down to future generations.
Ethical considerations: designing and living in the world. our actions have consequences and that we must consider the long-term impacts of our choices.
the textile industry has a significant impact on the environment. Large scale textile production processes involve the use of toxic chemicals, high water and energy consumption, and exploitation of labor.
Incorporating the principles of design for the pluriverse and braiding sweetgrass into textile design, production and design teching we can shift towards a more sustainable and ethical approach. This includes designing with respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings, valuing diversity and the unique strengths of different cultures and communities, and prioritizing the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants.
This might mean – using natural and sustainable materials – minimizing waste – minimizing pollution in the production processes – ensuring fair wages / working conditions for textile workers. It could also involve incorporating traditional knowledge and techniques from different cultures into textile design including considering our connection/ developing a deeper value for our relationship between our designed objects/ garments
embracing these principles, we can create a more just and sustainable textile industry that values the health and well-being of both people and the planet – it is important to pass these schools of thought to our students – reuse projects at UAL – Currently working to embed more regenerative elements into STG 1 units – unit 3 shifting to ‘deconstruct reconstruct’ – students only using found and donated materials, not making anything new – AO textiles and CCD to support.