Earlier this month, TRACE’s Ben Merritt successfully defended his M.Arch Thesis!
Ben’s thesis, titled “How We Wear: Creating Clothing of Identity and Connection,” explores the idea of clothing as a form of self expression, seeking to understand the relationships that exist between who we are and what we wear. Ben engaged in the act of physically making clothes and documented the process through written accounts of stories, feelings, inspirations, and personal experiences, to gain a stronger sense of self and understanding of identity.
The research was undertaken from September to April and manifested itself as a series of studies and explorations, including seven outfits. Throughout the course of the research, different stages in the process of making clothing were explored.
Initial studies that were focused on fabric led to rethinking the role of material in the process of making. Understanding fabric as more than a physical object, but as a storyteller and holder of memory, the personal relationship between maker and textile was explored, resulting in three outfits. A nylon tracksuit, a variety of polyester fleece layers, and a jersey knit t-shirt robe were made during this exploration.
The next set of studies revisited incomplete acts of making, understanding abandoned projects as a moment in time reflective of the maker’s identity. Revisiting and completing the unfinished projects, each representing different personal memories and attitudes, required a reflection and response to the initial intentions that started each project. A pair of corduroy overalls, a shirt-jacket and pants, and a matching purple corduroy outfit were revisited during this exploration.
A final study worked backwards, beginning with an existing piece of clothing rather than a sheet of fabric, learning from the processes and techniques used to create that garment. An act of “undoing,” was used to meticulously disassemble a pair of jeans, which were then re-imagined using the knowledge gained from the process, taking shape as a raglan sleeve jacket.
Ben’s Thesis Abstract:
“The clothes we choose to wear are often a representation of the identity we wish to project into the world, acting as a form of self expression and impacting the way we experience our environments. Creative acts of making also allow an opportunity to represent selfhood, as our experiences, stories, and identities are actively integrated
in the product of our labour through our participation in these creative processes.
The act of making clothing then becomes an invaluable resource in understanding and representing ourselves
to the world around us. This thesis seeks to explore the relationships that exist in our acts of making by engaging with the creative act of making clothes. The processes of making these articles of clothing are displayed
through written accounts of feelings, stories, inspirations, and experiences while making, providing insight and contributions to a stronger sense of self and understanding of identity.”
