Contemplation. A textile reflection on identity, community and resilience

Background The textiles displayed are a personal contemplation to explore the potential of community around textile making skills and their role in community building and personal transformation. These pieces reflect my roots and the knowledge passed down to me through my family. Through stitch, I think. The cloth absorbs my emotions and is influenced by place. This was inspired by existing research highlighting the disconnect between garment makers and wearers (Fletcher & Grose, 2012), and how our loss of material knowledge and obscure fashion systems fuel overconsumption (Bocken & Short, 2021). Through engaging with tacit knowledge and embodied practices, I aim to understand how skills can foster community bonds and may inspire individual and collective action towards sustainable practices. Actively engaging with local community acknowledges the significance of local context and relationships in shaping research outcomes (St John & Akama, 2021), understanding the transformative potential of community-based making practices (Wu et al., 2022). By grounding this study in Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant urban context, I seek to bridge Western discourse with localised experiences, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of sustainable fashion practices (Nguyen, 2022). Contribution By reconnecting people with the skills involved in clothing production, I am exploring how learning new skills may catalyse shifts in individuals' attitudes towards clothing consumption, nurturing a mindful approach and informed consciousness that promotes sustainable practices. My research illuminates the essential role of embodied knowledge within textile crafts by unravelling the intricate connections between material culture and community (O’Neill 2001). Through a series of four textile pieces, blending traditional craft techniques with contemplative and care practices, I aim to elucidate how skills around making transcend their utilitarian function to embody narratives of identity, heritage, and social belonging. By weaving together artistic expression with scholarly inquiry, I aim to highlight the significance of localized practices, through textiles as tangible embodiments of the intangible threads that bind us to our past and inner selves. Significance This exploration offers a unique perspective on the influence of place and heritage by illuminating the emotional narratives woven into each stitch, unveiling social and emotional meanings in textiles. The project deepens our appreciation for textile practices while highlighting the significance of preserving manual skills for sustainable fashion ecosystems. Through visual and tactile storytelling, it aims to enhance our understanding of textiles as conduits of memory, connecting past and present to shape collective identity. By promoting collaboration and community empowerment, my research contributes to global discussions on ethical fashion, environmental responsibility, and cultural resilience.