Eden Parke
Masters by Research
An Exploration of Fungi as Craft Material – Combining Traditional Skills and Contemporary Craft
About
This project reflects on the current state of material production through the collection and analysis of contemporary research into a circular design with a critical focus on how fungi can help aid a change for the better. This research explores the damage and pollution caused by industrialised industries such as textiles; this highlights the need for designers who have helped pave the way for a new sustainable future. Practical experiments test a variety of mushroom species and natural fibres - documenting their durability and flexibility to be used in contemporary craft processes. The project reflects on how sustainable materials can be incorporated into design practices to inform more conscientious making methods and eliminate waste products.
Miniature Pine Needle & Amadou Baskets
These baskets were created in response to combining foraged natural material and traditional craft skills. The outcomes from of this process was a variety of miniature baskets with different combinations of pine needles, Amadou and lambs wool.
Circular System
Summarising the core values of combining natural materials with traditional knowledge. This methodology focused on practical based experimentation which resulted in multi-disciplinary outcomes which can be seen from start to finish on my Instagram.
Collecting Amadou
Harvesting and processing Hoof Fungus to create Amadou. This material was then used in multiple experiments to create new purposes of use for this natural material.