The Ritual of Self
spoon
noun \spün\
Definition of spoon
a: an eating or cooking implement consisting of a small shallow bowl with a relatively long handle
b: SPOONFUL
two spoons of sugar
2: something (such as a tool or fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape
(Merriam-Webster, n.d.)
self-care
noun /self’ker/
Definition of self-care
a: the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.
b:the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular
during periods of stress.
(Lexico Dictionaries, n.d.)
When considering the space I wanted to create, I started to think of the spoons I made and how they may dictate this space for makers and become something quite useful as well as beautiful.
I created a space that involves all aspects of the self-care ritual pertaining to my own experience. This floor plan doubles as a program diagram, showing what can take place in all parts of the space.
Made of Birchwood
Finished with Circa 1850 TerraNova Naturoil
Taking this as an opportunity to learn the art of spoon making, I found that making is a form of self-care for me, as is using these utensils to cook.
The spoons I carved, helped me to develop a space inspired by their curved gestures and material, while infusing the space with this idea of ritual and self.
This project was incredibly personal, thinking about how the spaces my Mom, and Omi have created throughout my life have always inspired me, and have a major significance for why I have decided to go into this profession.
Both of them have a wonderful sense of colour and balance, and have always made each of their spaces warm, inviting, refreshing and everything that makes a space calming to be in.
The idea that the spoon can take away the grey and cold outdoors of the winter months and help to allow one self-care through the ritual of cooking.
By studying the spoon within the context of my own home, I learned a lot about what shapes were most enjoyable and most useful, as well as what types of things I most enjoy the ritual of creating.
The spoon to most of us is something that can be bought and exists in a drawer or a jar, ready to use at any point. It was eye opening for me to realize something so seemingly insignificant requires so much thought and dedication to create.
