Entangled ales

Examining recursive Islandness through themes of place in Newfoundland craft beer

Whitten Henry, Maggie J.

2021 UPEI Graduate Studies and Research Conference

Abstract

2021

Island Studies

With islands understood as generative sites of relational entanglement, and craft beer itself described as a zone of entanglement and meaning-building, it should come as no surprise that Newfoundland’s craft beer brands are brimming with richly entangled themes of place. But what does that look like? This creative thesis project examines themes of place in the burgeoning craft beer community on the island of Newfoundland. Engaging relational ontologies and traditional textile practices, Show moreWith islands understood as generative sites of relational entanglement, and craft beer itself described as a zone of entanglement and meaning-building, it should come as no surprise that Newfoundland’s craft beer brands are brimming with richly entangled themes of place. But what does that look like? This creative thesis project examines themes of place in the burgeoning craft beer community on the island of Newfoundland. Engaging relational ontologies and traditional textile practices, representations of these themes will be mapped and stitched onto an existing (literal) patchwork quilt. In doing so, the patchwork itself becomes a site of generative ‘becoming’ and the project reveals itself as a figure of recursive islandness. When the intangible becomes tangible, knowledge is able to be shared in accessible, relatable ways. This project seeks to highlight the richness — and fun! — of relational approaches and tangled tales, opening up opportunities for alternative forms of thought and practice in Island Studies, in academia, and (most importantly) in our communities more broadly. Show less