When thinking about materials and objects as a maker, it is important to consider the impact these materials and objects have. In a first instance that can involve considering the life cycle of materials, and constructing objects well so they are cared for and passed on rather than discarded. But what does it mean to create objects that get ‘passed on’? These objects could also be referred to as ‘kinship objects’. A thought that crossed my mind upon finding a small book that packs a punch titled ‘The Material Kinship Reader’ edited by Kris Dittel and Clementine Edwards. What role do materials and objects play in the organisation of social relationships? What does it mean to possess materials and objects? To discuss their work and ponder these interesting and necessary topics, we will delve into the world of artist Clementine Edwards.

About Clementine Edwards

Clementine Edwards is a Rotterdam-based artist from Naarm Melbourne who works between sculpture and writing. In their work, they enact material, experiential and affective residues of daily life. Such residues help them hold and attend to the politics and poetics of (dis)possession – of body, land, family and personhood. They recently published The Material Kinship Reader, co-edited with Kris Dittel, and were a fellow with Gerrit Rietveld Academie in the Jewellery—Linking Bodies department.