Philosophy of Textile: Between Practice and Theory

Textile is a language, concept, and material thing, with philosophers and artists exploring its processes and materials. Catherine Dormor's book brings together thinkers and artists to develop a new philosophy of textile, focusing on folding, shimmering, seaming, viscosity, fraying, and caressing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Textile is a multifaceted concept that encompasses language, materiality, and artistic expression. Philosophers such as Plato, Deleuze, and Derrida have utilized weaving processes to illustrate their ideas, while artists like Ann Hamilton, Louise Bourgeois, and Chiharu Shiota have explored the seam, needle, thread, and the flow of viscous materials in their work. However, textile and making textile are often treated as separate and distinct practices, rather than parallel modes. This beautifully illustrated book aims to bridge this gap by bringing together the language and materiality of textile to develop new models of thinking, writing, and making.

Through the work of thinkers such as Roland Barthes, Hélène Cixous, and Luce Irigaray, and international artists like Eva Hesse and Helen Chadwick, textile practitioner, theorist, and writer Catherine Dormor presents a new philosophy of textile. Dormor explores the material behaviors and philosophical language of folding, shimmering, seaming, viscosity, fraying, and caressing, demonstrating how textile practice and theory are intricately woven together.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural significance of textile, tracing its origins back to ancient civilizations and its evolution into a global industry. It then explores the various techniques and materials used in textile production, including weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and printing. Each technique is discussed in detail, with examples of its historical and contemporary applications.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between textile and the body. Dormor argues that textile is not just a material object but also a sensory experience that can evoke emotions and sensations. She explores the ways in which textile can be used to create clothing, accessories, and interior spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of textile in social and political movements. Dormor discusses the ways in which textile has been used to express political and social messages, from the suffragette movement to the Black Lives Matter movement. She also explores the ways in which textile can be used to challenge dominant power structures and promote social justice.

In addition to its theoretical and historical aspects, the book also includes practical projects and exercises that allow readers to engage with textile in a hands-on way. These projects include weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and printing, and are designed to help readers develop their skills and creativity.

Throughout the book, Dormor's writing is clear and engaging, and her illustrations are stunning. She draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, contemporary art, and personal experiences, to illustrate her points.

One of the strengths of the book is its ability to challenge traditional notions of textile and making textile. Dormor argues that textile is not just a passive object but also a dynamic and evolving medium that can be used to create new and innovative forms of expression. She encourages readers to think beyond the traditional boundaries of textile and to explore the endless possibilities that it offers.

However, the book also has its limitations. Some of the theoretical concepts discussed can be difficult to understand, and the book may be more suitable for readers with a background in art or philosophy. Additionally, some of the practical projects may be challenging for beginners.

Despite these limitations, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in textile and making textile. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history, techniques, and materials used in textile production, and it offers practical projects and exercises that allow readers to engage with textile in a hands-on way.

In conclusion, textile is a multifaceted concept that encompasses language, materiality, and artistic expression. This beautifully illustrated book brings together the language and materiality of textile to develop new models of thinking, writing, and making. Through the work of thinkers such as Roland Barthes, Hélène Cixous, and Luce Irigaray, and international artists like Eva Hesse and Helen Chadwick, textile practitioner, theorist, and writer Catherine Dormor presents a new philosophy of textile. The book explores the historical and cultural significance of textile, the various techniques and materials used in textile production, the relationship between textile and the body, the role of textile in social and political movements, and practical projects and exercises that allow readers to engage with textile in a hands-on way. While the book has its limitations, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in textile and making textile.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 241 x 161 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472525659