From Wool to Action- Reviving Traditional Practices for Sustainable Futures

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of traditional practices to foster sustainable futures through the lens of wool-based art and design. Rooted in the theoretical frameworks of ecological sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage, the study emphasizes the value of ancestral knowledge as a vital resource for contemporary creative practices. The research argues that traditional methods not only preserve identity and local knowledge but also offer sustainable alternatives to industrial production. The central aim is to examine the roles and responsibilities of artists and designers in promoting sustainability by re-establishing a meaningful relationship with nature. This is pursued through the intentional use of natural materials—specifically Finnish wool—and the revival of time-honored techniques such as felting.

The research adopts a qualitative methodology, drawing on arts-based research (ABR), art-based action research (ABAR), and autoethnographic approaches. These methodologies allow for an embodied, practice-led inquiry that bridges theory and lived experience. Two experimental projects form the core of the practical exploration: first, a collaborative bicycle-felting workshop designed to reintroduce traditional felting methods through communal making and public engagement; and second, a short stop-motion animation created entirely with wool, which narratively and materially reflects the themes of sustainability and connection to place. Notably, the collaborative bike felting project was recognized internationally by receiving an award in the Engage4BIO design competition in 2025, demonstrating the wider relevance and impact of such practices.

The findings suggest that reviving traditional craft techniques can lead to tangible and culturally grounded contributions to sustainability in art and design. These methods foster circularity, minimize waste, and strengthen community ties, offering viable models for environmentally responsible creative practice.The research advocates for a transformative approach that positions humans as co-inhabitants of the natural world instead of its dominators. By incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into modern design, the thesis promotes an ethical, place-based approach to sustainability—one that nurtures both the environment and the cultural contexts in which we live and create. From a wider perspective, shifting toward sustainable practices is viewed as a way to restore harmony between humans and nature, emphasizing the understanding that humanity is inherently a part of the natural world rather than separate from it.