What happens when contemporary designers start shaping new tools? Like the archetypal axe or the domestic spatula. Where does the potential lie in being self-aware of gendered norms in the tools we use? Can they be broken down as fast as a smash of an axe, or will they be sustained as long as the bones of a deer?
Theme: Looking for Local in Inari, Finland
The Spatula
As per my understanding now, the shape of a single piece of caribou hip, found as a spatula handle, is shaped to fit a woman’s hand easily. The essence of that brutal-looking object is contradictory to the feminine and careful handling for which it is used in the household environment. I accentuated the handheld cooking comfort with a fingerprint dedicated to the thumb and was interested in creating both a spatula for right-handed and left-handed users.
I liked to reference where my object came from and that is why at the bottom of the object one can find the Giellajohka logo, a memory of the loving cook and her care during our Personal Exploration Trip.
The Axe
There is no apparent reason I made a ceramic axe (that is explained in the name;)) since it does not have any functional use other than being a symbol for my personal exploration. Reflecting on the theme of local I do think I have been able to establish an object that opens the dialogue and resonates with its addressed public. Whether it would be through the questions asked underneath the presented object or through its use afterwards. I cannot seem to find with whom it resonates most and therefore chose to keep my name anonymous. I feel relieved I got to separate myself from my artistic self and still find to stay genuine when presenting its manifestation.
Conclusion: A Final Reflection
With this Personal Exploration, I have to say I am very satisfied with the amount of potential my creative process and artifacts have given me in the future of my practice.
I felt graced to be perceived as the following during this process and hope to continue my creative practice and attitude towards the practice of design as; Thoughtful, layered, a healthy combination of analytical and conceptual thinking with a strong talent for designing human-centred and d product-oriented results. Detailed, intriguing and with an unquestionable appetite for exploration.
Thanks to Maarit Mäkelä, Priska Falin and my peers who have supported me along my exploration and personal creative process.
Texts, photographs, and artifacts by unknown
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