Mathilda Daniels

Upon reflection of my Mask Making and Politics project, I was not able to physically realise my project outcome due to not having access to the college’s resources and facilities, however this opened up opportunities for me to be more imaginative and creative in my design process. Since I was given the chance to re-design my mask, I ventured down alternative routes in ways that influenced my final design. In particular, I had more comprehensive thoughts about which materials I could use, and how I could “source” them sustainably and ethically (if I were to make the mask in real life). This unexpected path prompted excitement for the possible outcomes from the now loss of limitations, and I was able to research further into materials such as bamboo and glass. I learned that these are two of the most resilient and effective resources that are used among many trades. I decided to re-design my mask to be made from recycled glass rather than my original choice of vac-formed plastic, as glass can be recycled again and again without losing quality or purity. Throughout this project I have learned more about alternative materials like this, and how they can be used to reduce emissions and consumption of raw materials. This knowledge will influence my decisions in the future regarding my creative practices, and will encourage me to think about ways that I can work with recycling and save energy.

To reflect on my final design outcome, I realised that certain elements of the mask may need further thought, such as how its’ weight can be equally and comfortably balanced on the wearer’s head. I hadn’t thoroughly planned how this would work, but after receiving feedback from Caroline and Louise I now know that this is a crucial factor to consider. In hindsight I would have added a padded structure inside of the mask that fits comfortably for the wearer to ensure that the weight of the glass is supported. I would also make sure that the glass itself isn’t too thick or heavy, but remains robust enough to not break. 

One of my peers, Bronwynn Ready, showed clearly the context in which her Koi Carp mask would be worn. Her presentation highlighted that this environment would be a political protest, most likely a busy area with exposure to many viewers. This is something that I hadn’t properly considered in my own project. I like this idea and think it would be very impactful on members of the public, and a great way to reach the local community with a concern that may not be local to them. However, I have since decided that my mask wouldn’t be suitable for protest/outdoor events because of its weight and potential frailty, so instead, it would be worn and photographed with the appropriate lighting and setting to better enhance and compliment it. The photographs can then be used in various physical environmental awareness protests, as well as online. Given the current global pandemic, many activists have migrated to protesting online, including; encouragement from Greta Thunberg to join a “digital strike” by posting photos alongside the hashtag #ClimateStrikeOnline. I think that this type of protest has the potential to reach many, if not more people than group/crowd protests, whilst of course helping to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.

During my creative practice in this unit, I discovered links between elements of my Mask Making and Politics research and the Better Lives themes; such as cultural diversity in historical Venice through the use of carnival masks, and masked vegan activists who protested for social responsibility in Bath. A significant interest sparked while researching sustainability in the fashion industry and its contribution to global warming. I was shocked to learn that the industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and remains the second largest industrial polluter, second only to oil. (Conca, 2020)

I realised that humanity is slacking in so many crucial departments that therefore contribute to the damage of our natural environment. This encouraged me to question my own actions and learn about ways in which I can make informed decisions in my future work.

In relation to my previous blog post, I would say that humans are disconnected, and we tend not to empathise with things that may be happening on the other side of the world thus not impacting us personally. In my project, I aimed to metaphorically put myself in the Arctic and look at the challenges and impacts of climate change there. When processing my own mask design, I plan to source materials in an eco-friendly way by using recycled items and textiles.

Upon researching the practices of fashion and cosmetics industries, I found that many brands pride themselves on being “green”, as though being seen as sustainable is almost a trendy fashion statement itself, giving a brand more consumer desirability. The problem is, the vagueness of the term allows companies to get away with hidden hypocrisy. This reminded me of Kenneth Worthy’s highlight on the difference between the desire to help and make change, and the ability to do so (Invisible Nature 2013). I learned that cosmetics brands Tarte Cosmetics and Lush (who thrive from being seemingly green and animal rights activists) produce products containing highly toxic carcinogens and ingredients that are rated 7/10 on the EWG toxicity scale (highly hazardous) (About EWG | Blissful Miss 2020). These are washed down drains into our water systems, rivers and lakes, causing harm to many life forms. Tartes’ products have even been found to contain carmine which is made from crushed beetles (Arnett, n.d.). Although it is upsetting to discover that so many brands lack empathy and choose profit over people and planet, it is also crucial to be educated with information like this so that we can make ethical choices and informed decisions as consumers, and as industry professionals. On the contrary, I would argue that not only the brands are responsible; as a population, we are thoughtless and inconsiderate; proof is seen in figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) that household waste is increasing and we aren’t recycling enough. As for clothing waste, we throw away an average of 70 pounds per person annually (80% of which ends up in landfill) (Knapton, 2020). I am frustrated with my own ignorance in my actions (or lack thereof) prior to now, and I am more mindful than ever to research and do what I can to make a difference, and to restrain from being disconnected.

REFERENCES

Conca, J., 2020. Making Climate Change Fashionable – The Garment Industry Takes On Global Warming. [online] Forbes.

Knapton, S., 2020. Recycling Rates Fall As 2020 Target Now Looks Unreachable. [online] The Telegraph.

Arnett, K., n.d. Is Tarte Makeup Really All Natural? – Kristen Arnett. [online] Kristen Arnett.

Worthy, K., 2013. Invisible Nature. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.

A crucial, lucid message that is portrayed throughout both of these lectures is that; as individuals in the fashion industry, it is essential to consider the relative ways that we can practice sustainably in our creative future. Being a makeup and hair student, I was influenced by Kate Fletcher’s lecture to look into the increasing number of cosmetics/makeup brands that operate their practices truly sustainably and ethically, but I found that there are still many that do not. Consequences to the environment in the cosmetics industry are equally detrimental and damaging to life forms as those in fashion, such as; vast species-rich deforestation for palm oil plantations, water pollution from chemicals, and animal testing etc. Things like these are undoubtedly harmful and have knock-on effects on all life forms. As Kate said, “people tend be disconnected because they don’t see these things first-hand”. We are all aware that ecological decline is happening, and I would agree with Kate that we are the generation that is going to be most capable of making a difference to protect our planet. I aim to research and further educate myself about the negative impacts of the cosmetics/ makeup industries alongside the fashion industry to influence my decisions to purchase more ethically, raise awareness to others, and ultimately carry forward ethical and sustainable thinking in my future creative practice.

Julia Crew’s lecture on Power highlighted the importance to consider the effectiveness of our decisions, and how we can use our power as a collective through protests and boycotts as well as an individual to make a difference. As Julia said, “consumers have a great deal of power with every purchase they make” – which for me, emphasised the fact that even the most small, seemingly-simple purchases have a back-story; where it came from, how it was manufactured, how the raw materials and ingredients were sourced etc. Admittedly, I can’t say that I truly consider these things every single time I make a purchase. Nor had I put into perspective the contributing effects that a single particular purchase may have on the Earths life support systems as a whole. Both Julia and Kate’s lectures certainly raised my awareness and have made me more conscious of, and even passionate about how change can make a difference. We should be researching and considering the origins of the products that we buy, whether it is makeup or fashion, and using our consumer power to support the brands and companies that practice with their ecological identities in mind. We need to find a balance between reducing our negative environmental impact, while remaining ethical and fair for humans and their needs. A product may be cruelty-free but are the worker’s conditions less than humane? Our choice not to support less sustainable brands are surely going to cause knock-on effects/consequences to the workers in employment of the line of production, so it is of course essential for us (as well as the brands themselves) to consider, research, and work towards balancing this, to ultimately create better lives.