Topic One: #
“Art, as human skill, is distinguished also from science (as ability from knowledge), as a practical from a theoretical faculty, as technic from theory (as the art of surveying from geometry). For this reason, also, what one can do the moment one only knows what is to be done, hence without anything more sufficient knowledge of the desired result, is not called art. To art that alone belongs for which the possession of the most complete knowledge does not involve one’s having then and there the skill to do it.”
(Kant 1790:180-181).
Topic Two: #
The above quote from the ‘Critique of Judgement’ shows Kant postulating the difference between the creative nature of Art and that of other fields of knowledge. In the modern era fields of knowledge and understanding progressed along separate strands standing alone and separate from one another. The contemporary post-modern digital age brings with it not only a rise in technological awareness but a pluralist and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. By applying the multidisciplinary approach of a creative and lateral problem solving method of the creative arts a greater realisation of the potential of textiles for a progressive world might be achieved.
Topic Three: #
This paper uses examples from student projects at The School of Textiles, Heriot Watt University, to illustrate how artistic investigation can facilitate technological progress in the field of textiles. The paper will look at a methodological approach that covers the design processes of ‘out of the box’ or ‘blue skies’ imagining, brainstorming, developmental and technical research and ideas development through to concept presentation. Although used in a learning environment it is perceived that this methodological approach could be applied to problem solving or technological concepts across many fields both academic and practical.
Topic Four: #
In applying methodologies used in the creative and design arts a free-form thinking and creative problem solving was developed to originate utopian textile concepts and ideas. The analysis of this creative problem solving conceptual approach to textile design and development displays both strengths and weaknesses. This paper will outline good practice in creatively-oriented processes and techniques. The projects’ use of group dynamics and integrated team practices supported the creatively competitive organisational environments allowing for progressive conceptual development. This facilitates both complex design decision-making and solutions that both discuss the potential of contemporary technological initiatives in the area of textile innovation and the global nature of communication, post-modern pluralism and the information society.
Topic Five: #
The outcomes of this paper will demonstrate how a pluralist creative approach to concept development is relevant to global textile technology and today’s post-modern information culture.
By: Robert Burton
Submit Date: 11/11/2002 20:00