This class was not what I expected in some ways I like how I’ve unexpectedly renewed my interest in weaving and been introduced to academic theories around craft practices.
At the same time, I’m starting to feel the same disconnect that drove me from industrial design > back to grad school for social design. Industrial design a field focused on products and physical objects is built on consumerism, mass-production, and marred by excessive waste.
Many talented designers are actively working against these flaws, but others like myself choose to move out of it into other areas in hopes of creating more tangible impacts on our communities.
Having been in this class for a few weeks I am confronted with the same thoughts I had that pushed me to return to school. There has been little talk of social impact, the impact of colonization on these practices, sustainability, or equitable access to these skills.
Are we just creating for the sake of creating with no consideration of our impact on the world and those around us?
Maybe I’m being premature in my critique?
A strong technical foundation is always helpful in any creative practice. And yet I feel it is our responsibility as makers to consider and discuss beyond just the technical.
Either way, my mind is starting to turn on how I might combine some of my technical textile skills (weaving, knitting, sewing, etc.) with my social impact work. How I’ll do this I’m not quite sure.
Creative Process Journal 
I find these thoughts really interesting. It’s definitely something to think about, as designers are we making with purpose? What are the implications behind constantly creating? I’m looking forward to seeing how these questions and techniques intersect for you.
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You’re definitely not alone in these thoughts! I have always found it difficult to balance my desire to create things with realizing that these things I am creating might just end up in a garbage heap somewhere, and they aren’t necessarily ‘serving a purpose.’ Where does our moral and ethical responsibility to the planet outweigh our own urge (or need) to create? Do they always need to be at odds? I certainly hope not! I’m excited to see where you go with your work in the future and where these inquiries take you.
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