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- Title of Abstract:
Adaptive Craft: Crafting a digital yoke (Ref #222)
- Date:
- 26-10-2006 22:25:20
- Status:
-
Accepted
- Rating:
- 9
-
Details:
- Themes: Craft and digital process; Craft and Science; Innovation, Design and Craft
Keywords: Smart fabrics, wearable technology, digital process
The aim of the research is to explore the relationship between craft and the digital process and to ask to how does engaging in such a process, limit, enhance, or evolve the core skills fundamental to contemporary craft practice.
Does the digital process separate the craftsperson from the material and in doing so disrupt the intuitive and holistic relationship of thinking and making that is so central to craft? Is the digital process an easy way to create - by-passing traditional skills and rendering the craftsperson redundant?
As digital technology becomes more widely accessible, instead of distancing the maker from the craft does it actually enable new methodologies and processes that result in viable one-off productions and sustainable craft practice?
If the digital process provides a common language for communication with other knowledge domains - which fundamental craft skills will most valuably transfer and become most relevant and meaningful in this exchange?
The paper is based on recently completed practice-led research and personal creative practice primarily in the discipline of printed textiles. The Adaptive Craft Award* has enabled this researcher to engage with current research into emerging Smart fabrics for wearable technology. The research involved exploring the potential of these Smart and adaptive materials, using a combination of traditional textile and digital processes and resulted in the creation of prototypes for a number of wearable applications.
The paper will analyse the results of the research which examine the relationship between craft and digital technologies and processes and will be supported by photographs, footage and an accompanying exhibit proposal.
The argument will be made that the use of the digital processes in the creation of crafted objects requires in depth knowledge of the materials being used in order to actualise fundamental digital concepts. In the case study sited, knowledge of textile behaviour and processes coupled with an understanding of the requirements of the end user were valuable craft skills. In addition, the prototype development required the acquisition and honing of new skills to yoke, join and connect textile sensors with electronic data processing and communication devices.
In the last decade, the use of digital technologies has stimulated a new aesthetic that celebrates experimental spontaneity and the personal interpretation of new processes and related technologies. The potential exists for Smart fabrics and adaptive materials to facilitate the expression of individual personal craft. The potential also exists to incorporate responses from consumers, viewers and participants into the craft process reflecting the random element and spontaneity that is intuitive and celebrated by craftpersons.
*Adaptive Craft is the collaborative initiative of the Crafts Council of Ireland and Adaptive Information Cluster at Dublin City University. It was created to encourage dialogue between craftsperson and scientists.
Reviewer Comments: