Roots In Tradition: Karelian Tradition as a Creative Resource for Finnish Craft Designers

Abstract

This paper explores the meaning of tradition as a resource for contemporary craft production. The data were gathered during a qualitative case study call where the call participants elaborated on the role of Karelian tradition in the contemporary Finnish design discourse. In the analysis, three design practices were identified for gaining inspiration from tradition, and using it as a material, ideational, and relational resource in design work: (1) a materially orientated practice which emphasized the use of visual and material resources; (2) a production-orientated practice which drew ideational inspiration from the structure of the artefact; and (3) an interpretative practice which was based on the designer’s personal association and interpretation of tradition. These design practices suggest the socially constructed meanings of tradition, and argue for the importance of material engagement within the process of handing down the tradition itself.