My project started from a commitment to peaceful happiness which led me to a belief that a non-violent attitude to the entire ecosystem is fundamental to life and design. I chose to recycle scrap from the textile industry. I worked with the ragged selvedge of woven woollen cloth, which is cut off at the loom and generally discarded. I developed a unique process to transform the waste into new kind of material, then let the unusual quality of the new material inspire suitable woven structures.

The methodology used in the practice was based on the principle of sustainability. For instance, with an awareness of energy and water consumption, I chose to use the original colours of the waste instead of  changing their colours by dyeing or printing on top. In recognition of waste management, natural and synthetic materials were not mixed together. The process is environmentally friendly: only bio-degradable substances, like starch, were used.

I seriously thought about how my design can convey the notion of long-term contentment in a simple life. I decided to avoid unnecessary decoration and chose designs that show the intrinsic characteristics of the materials. Therapeutic quality was another important value added through my work, which invites one to touch and feel, and brings a smile to one’s face.

jrumchai@gmail.com