Making sense. What can we learn from experts of tactile knowledge?

Authors

  • Camilla Groth Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
  • Maarit Mäkelä Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design
  • Pirita Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Professor of Craft Science Helsinki University, Department of Teacher Education

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.656

Keywords:

tactility, embodied knowing, making, clay, deafblind

Abstract

This article describes an embodied way of making sense through making with the hands. We examine the potential o ftactile experience in the making process and analyse what tactile experiences mean. The study takes place in the context of an era marked by audio-visual dominance.The article presents a case study that observed and interviewed deafblind makers while they worked with clay. The findings reveal that modelling in clay resembles the visualisation process of sketching. As such, it may contribute to thinking through the hands. Language is not a self-evident communication tool for transferring tactile skills. Based on our case study, we propose the use of tactile communication in the process of transferring tactile knowledge through making with another person’s hands.

Author Biographies

Camilla Groth, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design

Maarit Mäkelä, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Design

Pirita Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, Professor of Craft Science Helsinki University, Department of Teacher Education

Olavi throwing with the researcher. Still photo captured from video clip by Camilla Groth

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Published

2013-09-21

How to Cite

Groth, C., Mäkelä, M., & Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, P. (2013). Making sense. What can we learn from experts of tactile knowledge?. FormAkademisk, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.656

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2013): MAKING - Materiality and Knowledge conference. Special Issue

Section

Invited Articles

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