UN/FOLD GUIZHOU | elaineng

Design can be a powerful force in our lives and have significant social impact. Every design project we undertake will result in products, environments, interfaces, or services that will ultimately have an effect on people’s lives.

In the past year I have been working on site with local female village craftsmen from Guizhou, South China to create low volume, fine handmade woven fabric collection.

I started the project UNFOLD: A Stitch In Times Saves Nine, after travelling to a few villages in Guizhou, South China. For further information.

LOCATION

Mountain villages in Guizhou,

South China

First Stop-

DanZhai, Guizhou

(2013 July -2014 May )

Second Stop-

SanDu, Guizhou

( 2014 May onwards)

High Strength Transparent Nylon Warp

High Strength Copper Fabric

Multi colour warp

High Strength Transparent Nylon Warp

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CURRENT PROGESS

ICONIC TEXTILE DEVELOPMENT

Textile development 1- High strength Transparent Nylon Copper fabric

By understanding their limitations, I have been experimenting new material with them without changing their process. Replacing the warp with high strength transparent nylon gives the material an extra property.

Textile development 2- Multi Colour Warp

Sharing warp-calculating techniques with the local weaver in order to make their first multi colour warp accurately.

Elaine in the village

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BRIDGING THE GAPS BETWEEN HERITAGE CRAFT WITH URBAN PRODUCTION

MY GOAL

Innovate with heritage and craft: respect local heritage and reinterpret the traditional hand woven techniques.

By working with the local craftsman, I am designing an efficient work model with the Guizhou villagers in order to achieve the final goal of skill exchange and can help the villagers to create a sustainable way of living through making exquisite craft for the urban consumers. By increasing their personal skills and equipping them with a set of communication expertise they can bridge their skills with urban needs to help them to escape from poverty.