The Transformative Power of Fiber
Researcher: Irmandy Wicaksono
Artist: Cori Champagne
Artist: Samantha Fields
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
The Foundry
101 Rogers St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Catalyst Conversations in partnership with The Foundry
Fiber is having a moment. With these three practitioners we experience the transformative power of craft. This conversation is a fascinating window into understanding how art and science reflect and illuminate ideas important to each other.
Researcher Irmandy Wicaksono weaves electronic devices into soft materials and the fabric of everyday life for various applications ranging from health monitoring, human-computer interaction, space exploration to the interactive arts. He is passionate in exploring the creative interplay between science, engineering, art, and design, as well as the intersection between research and manufacturing.
In artist Cori Champagne’s recent work she uses clothing as a format and a material. "Clothing is our first home. It projects identity, produces comfort, offers protection. As the world imposes more and constant change, I create clothing for conditions no longer comfortably futuristic. Garments convert to shelters; clothing anticipates emergency events. What can be worn can become the architecture of sanctuary."
Artist Samantha Fields is drawn to the materials and processes that have historically lived outside of an “Art” context, she strives to make work that can live in and speak to the different worlds of 'high' and 'low.' “I make--slowly--with/through craft. Making slowly is a personal act of resistance against the fast-paced, multi-tasking, product-driven world in which I find myself.”
Founded in 2012, Catalyst Conversations creates programs that pair artists and scientists for intimate conversations. These conversations have explored topics at the forefront of science and art-making today such as theoretical mathematics, watershed conservation, public art, STEAM education, neuroscience and more. In a region full of innovation and knowledge, Catalyst Conversations offers a unique opportunity for participants of all ages and educational backgrounds to access new knowledge. Ideas are not only presented to the public, they are held open for extended conversation allowing a unique entry to intellectual inquiry.
The Cambridge Foundry addresses the problems of financial and spacial inequities affecting artists and other makers by providing access to specialized space and equipment for hands-on creation. Offering maker spaces, multi-purpose rooms, a dance studio, art studio, performance space, and demonstration kitchen, The Foundry brings STEM and the Arts under one roof for the Cambridge community with its spaces available for reservation and public programming.
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