Sabine Pagan
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| Sabine Pagan, Site #2, ring, 2009, 9k yellow gold cube (handmade), surgical steel mount (rapidprototyped), 35 x 35 x 12 mm
Photo: Emily Snadden
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Abstract The
body occupies a significant place in both contemporary jewellery and
architectural practice. The wearable object is made for the body and,
therefore, invites the presence of a wearer, even if only
metaphorically. Similarly, our built environment is constructed in
relation to the scale of the human body and to accommodate our actions
as users of architecture. Yet, important to both practices is the
relationship between the object — jewellery or architecture — and the
body beyond its physicality.
This paper examines embodiment from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Drawing on Jack Cunningham’s model (2005) maker–wearer–viewer
as a framework, I propose an extended schema that integrates the object
within the relational dynamics, with the aim to investigate the
embodied relationship between object and wearer.
Underpinning the research is a case study
that I conducted on the sensorial qualities of Peter Zumthor’s
architecture, in particular Therme Vals. The
study demonstrates that the embodied experience of the architecture by
the user contributes to the development of these qualities.
In this paper, I argue that the transposition
and testing of this concept in jewellery generates new relational
variables, from which a new methodology of practice in jewellery
informed by architecture emerges. Read full paper
Full paper published in craft+design enquiry: issue 6 Issue 6 2014, Craft.Material.Memory
jewellery, architecture, cross-disciplinary, wearing, senses, Therme Vals
