Ella Siltavuori
(MA)
She wove the light into a net, so we could rest for a moment
The installation studies the light that reflects from our surroundings. The work examines the relationship of light to textile, form, space, and outlines. Light changes how we perceive objects, the relationship between transparency and opacity, the reflectivity of materials, and the effects of light on the shape or layering of the material. Siltavuori’s material-led design process explores the relationship between light and material, spatiality, and form. Woven samples have been produced both industrially and by hand weaving. Two woven fabrics were chosen for the installation to represent the visual and theoretical background research. The outer fabric is woven on an industrial machine, while the inner fabric is hand-woven.
SPONSOR
Grant by Aalto Department of Design
ADVISORS
Esa Vesmanen, Petra Haikonen
SUPERVISOR
Maarit Salolainen
(IG)
@ ellasiltavuori
Study of light, the light that reflects off everything we can see, is the focus of Ella Siltavuori’s MA thesis. The essence of light is examined in relation to woven textile materials, form, and space. In her thesis, she investigates the relationship between transparency and opacity, the reflectivity of the material, and the effects that light produces depending on the form of the material.
– I aim to understand the behaviour of light in relation to woven textiles through exploring the phenomenon of light through the lenses of philosophy, physics, materiality, and visual art, such as photography and sculpture.
Siltavuori’s artistic thesis is strongly based on visual background research. In the material research, woven fabrics are produced both by hand weaving and using an industrial weaving machine. In dozens of test samples, she examines how different structures and material choices in woven fabrics behave in relation to light. She works with linen and coated copper thread, which are also the materials used in the final piece of the thesis. The work is a sculptural lighting piece that functions as spatial art; it consists of two different woven fabrics and lights.
– I want to create evolving atmospheres and images In the various lighting conditions of the piece. I aim to capture moments and impressions that light can create in nature and bring them indoors.
