Response Patterns Materials-Based Research
Response Patterns was undertaken with the support of the Center for Craft's Materials-Based Research Grant, 2019, to invent environmentally responsive embellishment methods for textile. The team leveraged interdisciplinary experience—Yuchen Zhang’s knowledge in material science and interactive technology, Travis Fitch’s methodical study of geometry and digital fabrication, and Anette Millington’s expertise in textile art and embellishment. Processes included silk screening with photochromic pigment, and 3D printing. We see this use of new materials and technology as a natural progression in textile craft - which has historically imbued place into both it’s materiality and imagination.
Researchers: Anette Millington, Travis Fitch, Yuchen Zhang
Research Assistants: Erin McQuarrie, Liz Sandler
Materials research
We explored new materials and technologies to add time-based, environmentally responsive behavior to textile surfaces. We mapped behaviors of interest in speculative diagrams, including transformations in color and shape, produced in response to UV light, heat and moisture. We developed an iterative, collaborative approach to testing material behaviors, resulting in a collection of material samples including 3D printed deposition, silk screen, embroidery, dye, painting and circuitry on textile. From these broad tests, we evaluated our sample archive and determined that the most expressive potential within the materials was the photochromic silk screen and 3D printed applications.
Research made possible by the Center for Craft's 2019 Materials-Based Research Grant