Defence of doctoral thesis in the field of Design, MA Priska Falin

MA Priska Falin will defend the thesis "Relating to Clay: Tuning in to the Workings of the Aesthetic Dimension in Ceramic Practice" on 21 October 2022 at 12:00 in Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design, in lecture hall M1, Otakaari 1, Espoo, and online in Zoom.

Opponent: Prof. Welby Ings, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Custos: Prof. Maarit Mäkelä, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design

The public defense will be organized via remote technology. Follow defence: https://aalto.zoom.us/j/62101689103

Zoom Quick Guide: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/zoom-quick-guide

Thesis available for public display at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/
Doctoral theses in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/54

Public defence announcement:

This study highlights the subtle use of the senses in creative work. This study identifies exposure and sensitization to materials as an asset that fuels creativity. Such an ability is part of an understanding of ceramic material, but at the same time, it leads to the experiential and performative nature of making ceramics. This research is directed with three approaches to the body: the experiencing body, the performing body and the sentient body. The research expands the understanding of the role of bodily knowledge in creative practices, extending to a more sensitive level of the body's sensory experience, and suggests that in creative work one must focus on bodily experience in order to understand and develop bodily capacity. The research leads toward a more meditative and contemplative interaction with the material and proposes two concepts 'Subtle body' and 'Dwelling with the material' as a starting point for creative work.

The research focuses on ceramic practice investigating both hand-making and 3D printing of clay from the perspective of embodied understanding. The study emphasizes the aesthetics of making, which defines the creative experience and affords a connection between the maker and the material. 'Relating to Clay' is a practice-led study that expands the traditional research approach focused on the subjective perspective in two steps; the first phase, which focuses on the subjective perspective is further complimented by a second phase where a shared, collaborative level is achieved between different professionals.

Instead of focusing on an outcome oriented process, this research focuses on enabling slow, silent and contemplative processes. Such directions in creative practices are seen to support personal creativity while also bringing out the therapeutic dimension in material interaction.

Contact information of doctoral candidate: