Concept¶
A showcase of fish skin as a material that can be used within fashion and interiors - honouring the Indigenous practices from which it originates.¶
FINAL PROJECT PROPOSAL by Flora Houldsworth
5 Ws¶
Who¶
This project is for humans, fish, and the ecosystems that connect them. It engages designers, local fishmongers, and Indigenous knowledge systems, positioning the fish as a participant rather than a resource.
What¶
A material-led design project exploring fish skin as a material used within fashion and interiors. Using a range of experiments (e.g. different species, tanning methods, modular construction, casting, and moulding) the work treats fish skin as a carrier of cultural memory and ecological relationship, rather than waste.
When¶
Developed in the present moment of ecological crisis and industrial overconsumption, responding to the urgent need for non-extractive design practices.
Where¶
Situated in Amsterdam, sourcing fish skin waste from local fishmongers.
Why¶
Waste signals a broken relationship. This project asks what happens after consumption and proposes design as a way to continue the fish’s lifecycle and restore balance rather than extract value.
Moodboard¶
[focusing on a bag and a lampshade]
A More-Than-Human Approach.¶
I am not using the fish skin… I am continuing the fish’s lifecycle beyond consumption, allowing the skin to be the carrier of cultural memory i.e. Indigenous knowledge.
Indigenous knowledge is a living system rather than a historical one, they hold generations of knowledge past that are centred around paying attention and being part of ones environment.
Making humans part of the ecosystems, not separate.
Waste is a sign of a broken relationship so when thinking about humans relationship with fish. The fish skin acts as the ecosystem connector. Repairing this broken relationship means transforming waste and continuing the fish’s lifecycle through the potential of its skin.
I want to think about how design can restore balance rather than extract value. *with my project being a critical response to industrial waste that asks the question… What happens after consumption?
Fish Skin becomes the mediator between…
Past & Future Human & Non-human Care & Consumption
A More-Than-Human Ecosystem.¶
Extending the lifecycle of the fish.
Rooted in care, continuity and respect.
Click to zoom.
(first draft... to be defined into a circular flow chart)
My Local More-Than-Human Ecosystem.¶
Considering my projects position within Amsterdam & the local fishing industry.
Where are the fish I’m using coming from?
Fish's Spiritual Significance¶
: Among Alaska Natives & Inuit communities
Animals are considered as sentient beings and partners in survival. Waste is viewed as a form of disrespect that could jeopardise future fishing success as it may offend the animals spirit.
Sewing was regarded as “womens magic” where garments symbolise spiritual transformation and maintain harmony with the animal world. This connection in turn would offer protection to the wearer. The quality reflected the spiritual relationship between the women and natural world. So, beautifully and carefully made garments were essential to maintaining harmony.
= zero-waste ethos to maintain human-animal relation
“Each transformation a reflection not only of technical ingenuity but also a worldview that sees human survival as entangled with the lives and bodies of animals.”
Elisa Palomino (2025)
Things to consider...¶
Dependant on access from Amsterdam waste stream.
1. Different species and fish materials¶
2. Different tanning methods and the properties they provide.¶
3. Idea of a Micro-Factory¶
Building tools that I might need to help my process.
e.g. Rotating tanning drum, to soften my skins?
Help to take it from small scale home made craft production to medium-small scale with stable results, with potential as a small studio that can get orders and produce on demand.
Material Construction Experiments¶
1) Modular Construction¶
- Patchwork
- Rattan Panelling
- Weaving
Inspiration from Julia Lohmann
Seaweed placed between two rods of Rattan.
- Rattan is a strong, flexible climbing palm from tropical regions, used for durable and sustainable furniture and decor.
- It moves and adapts to the shape of the seaweed.
this could be a way of making fish skin panels
(Images from Julia Lohmann's website)
2) Moulding & Casting¶
- CNC Milling mould
- Composites
- Consideration of other objects that I could use to mould the fish skin.
Thoughts…
Consider using Fish Glue (Islinglass) as the composite.
Use this to made dynamic, three dimensional shapes.
- Exploring making a mould that could work for both the shape of a bag and a lampshade...
3) Digital Technology¶
- Laser cutting
- Engraving
[in collaboration with light, how can I use this as a form to enhance the story of the fish]
Support I need¶
- As I am not sure how to approach this, if I were to construct my own hardware e.g. a Tanning Drum, I will need help with this.
- As well as, Mould making and CNC milling
- Lasercutting and engraving fish skin
References¶
Alutiiq Fish Skin Traditions: Connecting Communities in the COVID-19 Era↗
Revived long lost material that could elevate the leather industry: Fish Skin, Lampoon Magazine↗