WORK

 
 

WORK

PhD RESEARCH

MY RESEARCH QUESTIONS How does the impact of external and physical disruption during repetitive stitching impart its mark on the creative outcome? THIS RESEARCH investigates relationships between embroiderers, their tools and materials, and how the body interacts with the cloth.I AM USING An autobiographical case study of my own experience of hand trauma i as a starting point. Actions of movement are evidenced through the physical engagement between the body and cloth during the performance of hand stitch. Within MY RESEARCH I identify and establish how embodied cognition enables hand stitchers to adapt and alter their actions as an embodied auto-response to disruptions. This research identifies how the significance of these variables within movements are evidenced through changes to the surface of the cloth. Prior research into cognition within the thinking of design and craft practitioners has been studied and more recently investigation into knowing in action linking creative practice and the embodied mind has been conducted in relation to making. However no empirical research has focused on how hand stitchers use embodied cognition to manage and adapt their practice when disruptions to their working environment are experienced. This study establishes the mind - body relationship with the tools of a practitioner and how changes in the management of the process is evidenced in the outcome. As an educator in creative textiles this study provides the opportunity to understand and acknowledge the consequences of physical and external disruption to the creative process. The research opens up further questions into the theoretical and practical implications of bodily and environmental factors that interrupt the rhythmic flow of performing hand stitching for embroiderers working in education, industry AND THE HOME STUDIO.. Key Words, : Hand stitch, repetition, disruption, embodied cognition, tacit knowing, lived body.