Consolation is often perceived merely as a comfort offered after a loss and a refuge for those who have lost hope. However, can the practice of consolation also be a source of hope? And what role does craft have in this?

Consolation extends beyond mere escapism or fatalism. It involves a complex interplay of cognitive and emotional processes, including intersubjective understanding and empathic perspective-taking. These processes are not just about coping with the present but also about engaging with and reinterpreting our human experiences in a meaningful way.

Craft practices, with their inherent focus on creation, resilience, and transformation, mirror the dynamics of consolation. Crafting is not just about producing an object; it’s a form of active engagement with the world, a way of reimagining and reshaping our reality, especially when external conditions remain unchanged.

This talk explores how craft as a practice of consolation can be a source of ethical reflection and strength. The ethics of consolation helps us not only to endure but also to find new ways of seeing and being in the world. It’s about finding solace not in escape, but in the active, creative re-engagement with our circumstances. This can be a vital tool in fostering resilience and understanding in the face of life’s complexities and challenges.

HEPHAESTUS project ID 101095123 is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.