Kerli Valter

This master’s thesis topic „ NO SCANDAL, JUST SANDALS FROM ESTONIAN LEATHER. Material from goat farms in a value chain connecting farm-factory-designer-consumer. Experiments through „my own skin“, I therefore wanted to gathered knowledge and experience over three years, experiencing it „through my own skin“ that leather should be used as a valuable material. I was driven by my passion and interest its valuable material, leather, which is currently considered as a waste product in our society. My objective was truly understanding the situation between the farm-tannery-designer-consumer through experience. It has been important for me to understand the background of local raw materials, share the experiences gained, and make this topic more transparent to a wider audience.

   As a designer, I am constantly questioning. Where all the leathers go? How is made parchment? Should we overlook the potential of our indigenous leather resources?

My innate curiosity drives me to constantly seek answers independently, if possible. I love to dedicate myself in the intricate projects and processes engaging hands-on, to gain a profound comprehension, to truly sense and reflect upon it, and ultimately take decisive action own hands, to understand better, feel it, think about it and actively put it into practice. Then can things make sense and can be visible to everybody.

• NO SCANDAL, JUST SANDALS FROM ESTONIAN LEATHER. Material from goat farms in a value chain connecting farm-factory-designer-consumer. Experiments through „my own skin“.
• Tutor(s): Kristina Rajando
• Handcrafted sandals