Instagram story viewer> @_theblank.canvas> Tagged

THE BLANK CANVAS

@_theblank.canvas

76

followers

14

following

Design through the lens of Psychology and Human Experience

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Grateful for experiences that remind me why I create❤️
A reflection of how art, design and sustainability coexist beautifully ✨
.
.
#artspaces #artinlagos #artexhibition #designinspiration #designcreative #interiordesign #intentionalliving #explorepage #creativestorytelling #artofliving #thoughtfuldesign #femalecreatives #nigeriancreatives #lagosliving #intentionalspaces

31

3

I had initially put together these materials as options I thought may be suitable in building Ketega. It's only practical to explore readily available materials to ensure that it can be easily replicated.

Historically, people have used various types of long, cylindrical grass as beds/mattresses across the world because of their cushioning capacity when stacked together. There's a wide range of tall grasses available in the tropics although they are typically used for thatched roofing. Ketega's core is made of a roughly 2½ inch thick
Dropseed Grass mat tightly packed together to bring it's thickness to about 1½ inch when stacked and encapsulated within the other material layers.

In order to bring Ketega's thickness within 4 inches of compactly packed materials, some materials were excluded with very minimal compromise to the integrity of the product. Repurposed styrofoam was also excluded due to its stiffness which would bring about a general lack of flexibility (the inability to fold it conveniently) to Ketega.

Other materials include:
- Raffia Straw Mats (which are very popularly used in Nigeria and other West African countries)
- High-Density Flat Foams
- White Cotton Wadding

All materials were thoughtfully selected for their cushioning capacity and breathability; including the use of linen as the worn cover. This was necessary as Ketega is made to function especially within the warm climate of the tropics, and little air pockets within these materials would help to provide some comfort in the hot, humid weather.

11

0

Ketega is an experimental product inspired by Tatami; a series of traditional Japanese mats used for sitting, sleeping, and flooring rooms & dojos. These mats can last 10 to 50 years depending on the quality of the materials and maintenance; where high-quality Tatami with traditional rice straw cores can last up to 50 years and cheaper versions with man-made cores may last 15-25 years.

I initially thought I might explore 'Touch' through a concept that required feeling with the hands alone, but later felt that limiting touch to sensing with the hands might be a myopic approach.
I was visiting my brother @ifebusola_s 's at his home where I spent a few days. He has a mat made out of some synthetic, styrofoam-like material which I like to sleep in when I'm there. Its cushion-effect was such that although I could feel that I was sleeping on a thin surface a few millimeters above the ground, it felt adequate enough for a good night's rest and I would always wake up feeling strong and well-rested. This mat reminded me of the things I had read about Tatami (I had been curious about tatami for some time and done some research about it a few years before) and the health benefits of sleeping in one as opposed to sleeping in a conventional bed.

I decided that my exploration of 'Touch' would be to design an indigenous model of Tatami.

17

2

In 2024, I was a part of a 10-week immersive workshop programme hosted by @_theblank.canvas where we sought to collectively explore our understanding of experiential design.
I was tasked to design an object that explores our sense of 'Touch'. I came up with an idea to design an indigenous model of the Japanese Tatami Mat which I named 'Ketega', a shortened Yoruba way of describing a 'Tall Mat' (Akete giga).

After several months of working to ensure that we implement the most efficient, readily available materials - especially with determining what works best to serve as the core material (the dropseed grass suspended on the wall) of this thick mat consisting of roughly 60% natural materials - we were finally able to make it work.

The first prototype of Ketega is currently on display at @_theblank.canvas 's 'Reimagining Resources' Exhibition happening at Soto Gallery. The show is on until 31st October, feel free to walk in anytime between 9am & 5pm!

41

14

Featured in our just concluded design exhibition is @_theblank.canvas ; A design workshop grounded in sensory exploration and material inquiry.

Through a 10-week exploration period, the workshop cultivates experimental, socially resonant designs that engage in a larger conversation about the future of sustainable, and human-centered design.

By applying the psychology of design, the aim is to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible experiences by focusing on how people perceive, feel, and interact with design.

22

0

Ketega: Coupling Test of Sporobolus Grass.

I initially sought to use Water Reed for the core, but was told by various thatched roof makers that it gets quite brittle and snaps easily when very dry. I'm not so sure that they know what plant is called water reed as they understandably refer to these materials using local names (or they simply generalize and call them 'thatched roof grass'), and some of these plants are quite similar and can also grow in water (I also did some research and found that water reed may not be as brittle as they say, and they may be talking about another type of tall grass).

I considered using soft strips of raffia, but that turned out to be unsuitable as the well known raffia mats have very little to no cushioning because of how tightly they are typically woven. Eventually, I came across an artisan who works with various materials including Sporobolus (dropseed) and Elephant Grass, whom I commissioned to make Ketega's core out of what I believe to be a species of Sporobolus.

11

0