THE RITUAL OF COFFEE
spring 2018
What is it about coffee that is so intriguing?
Is it the caffeine, the company we drink it in, the smell of the roasting beans? I believe that some of the most meaningful conversations and interactions happen when we are drinking coffee. This is a study, in the form of textile development, in how coffee shapes our lives, how we interact with it, the feelings it gives us, and how keeping that small ritual in our lives can bring us back to a more authentic and patient way of life. |
While my official start to this project began in the Spring of 2018, my love for coffee and its comforting qualities started years before, exactly 6 years prior on a trip to Israel. During my travels I was introduced to an old ritual called "Pakal". This phrase is a play on the word for a soldier's must have items, hinting that coffee is a necessity. What began as a way for soldiers to enjoy their morning cup in the the field has grown into a way for all Israelis to enjoy one of their favorite drinks. Whenever traveling, hiking, or gathering outside, they bring their coffee kit to be able to share the intimate ritual with new and old friends. When I left I wanted to bring an experience back with me and decided that "Pakal" was the one. I began introducing friends and family to this incredible opportunity to share a moment with people as we drank our coffee.
This small activity has changed the way I view drinking coffee and the environment surrounding it. |
Arriving in Copenhagen was a different experience. With the cold weather and almost no hours of sunlight during the winter, warmth and comfort are something people are constantly searching for.
The first thing my host family did when I arrived was pull out cake and coffee for an afternoon chat. This was one of our first interactions and the sharing of food and drink made it instantly comfortable. I began to look into the subtleties of the ritual and broke in down into simple objects and ideas. |
Like most good ideas, this type of mark making was a complete accident. By using the reverse image from a messed up batik process, I was able to capture images that portrayed the essence of drinking coffee while having the aesthetic of stains. Through this accidental process, I was able to expand what I thought of as dyeing techniques.
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I hope that with the design of these textiles I can encourage the type of environment that makes it comfortable to have a coffee. The neutral tones and softness makes them ideal for a cozy afternoon cup o' joe, a solitary morning drink, or even a meeting of the minds. All of these moments have one thing in common, the ritual of coffee.
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