Feminist Design Methodology: Considering the Case of Maria Kipp Page: 8
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lives, careers, and designs. Problems with traditional approaches to biography do not or
should not preclude us from studying the life and work of individuals and, in fact, might
inspire new ways or methods of exploration to supplement the biography or create a
new kind of biography. Correspondingly, this thesis offers a methodological approach
culled from feminist design scholarship to studying the life and work of Maria Kipp.
Kipp's life and career are well suited for this study. She had a reputation as one
of the most sought-after handweaving designers and producers for textiles in the United
States as well as internationally at mid-twentieth century. In addition to the significance
of the recognition she received from her peers and her industry, Kipp is historically
relevant. She was part of the intersection of important mid-twentieth century Modernist
design "events," including the German Bauhaus, California regional architectural
Modernism, and the establishment and professionalization of the modern system of
interior design. Recently, Kipp has been included in several design exhibitions and
publications, indicating a renewed interest in her life and work.11 However, beyond
these factors, Kipp is a viable choice because of the wealth of primary research
materials available through archives.12
As a business owner and designer, Kipp managed her own shop, Maria Kipp,
Inc., in Los Angeles from the 1930s until the 1970s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the
shop achieved national success. Her modernist handcrafted designs were popular
among Southern Californian architects, including the Austrian natives Richard Neutra
(1892-1970) and R.M. Schindler (1887-1953). Her use of strict geometry and interesting
" "A Woman's Hand: Designing Textiles in America, 1945-1969," Museum at F.I.T., 2000; "Women
Designers in the USA, 1900-2000: Diversity and Difference," Bard Graduate Center, 2000; "Made in
California: Art, Image, and Identity, 1900-2000," Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2000.8
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Lawrence, Anne. Feminist Design Methodology: Considering the Case of Maria Kipp, thesis, December 2003; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5538/m1/12/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .