Hannah Hjördís Herrera is a research driven designer with a background in Visual Narrative, Textiles and Graphic Design. Exploring ecologies and the connections between their components through investigative design, philosophical inquiry, and material experimentations. Particuarily interested in modes of witnessing and remembering, expressed through visual design, poetry and slow design practices. 




SELECTED WORKS




 MA AND MOIRE



Ma & Moiré

 Pattern making with Shibori

Stitched  Shibori

Ma and Moiré explores the Japanese aesthetic concept of  “Ma" the aesthetic of space and time, through the medium of Shibori and exploring the dying process of creating an Indigo dye vat. 

The techniques of Shibori capture time by physically embodying the process and passage of time through intricate stitching and binding of fabric before dyeing, creates unique patterns that are shaped by the duration and intensity of the process. 

Each fold, twist, and stitch marks a deliberate act frozen in time, reflecting the artist's engagement with the material and their surroundings at that precise moment. Serving as record of my own presence and intent over time, where each stitch is a decision and a moment captured in thread.





DESIGNING WITH NATURE



Designing with  Nature

Bioplastic Sample

Cyanotype on Bioplastics

Designing with nature explores, the development of bioplastics, material design, and alternative photography processes, aiming to assess the viability of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. 

Utilizing materials derived from the ocean, such as agar made from red algae (seaweed), the investigation focuses on environmentally friendly production methods. Experiments are conducted to explore various concentrations, ratios, and processing methods, targeting desired properties such as color vibrancy, texture, and durability in biodegradable materials. Sustainable dyes are created from natural sources, with green shades derived from chlorophyll found in plants and algae, and blue shades from spirulina, a type of blue-green algae.

Alternative photographic processes are examined for their branding potential, specifically cyanotype techniques integrated with bioplastic materials. This project aims to contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable materials and techniques, reducing reliance on traditional plastics and promoting environmentally friendly practices. The findings will provide valuable insights into bioplastic recipes and materials, paving the way for future research and applications.

RESEARCH







 HOME FOR REFLECTION 


Home For Reflection

Heimili Andvarans

Hogar de reflecion

          



In Home For Reflection,  my poems delve into this profound dissonance towards nature and our reflections on time. The poetry reflects on the complexities of the relationship with our own nature, revealing how we interpret or misinterpret meaning and explores our hesitation to fully embrace our deep connection with the natural world. The limitations of the structure to various languages artistically reflect our connection to nature, highlighting the challenges and nuances in expressing, perceiving, and understanding the sublime spirit and essence of the natural world.

The poetry portrays time as cyclical or fluid, blurring boundaries between past, present, and future, echoing nature's timeless essence and our evolving perceptions.

Our faulty memories and limited lifespans make it difficult to comprehend how profoundly we have changed nature. As the baseline of our perception of nature shifts over time, and the gradual decline of our standards across generations have made us blind to the extent of which we have altered and destroyed nature. We are unable to truly grasp how the “pristine” nature of today is actually only a shadow when compared to what it used to be. My poems delve into this profound dissonance towards nature and our reflections on time.