Workshops/Crafting Data Storage

Workshop Synopsis All crafted matter stores data. Zooming in, one can see the hard-coded data of the crafting process itself. Zooming out, one can read data connected to its social and cultural context. Textiles is an example craft that holds many relations to computer processes-- from the binary principle to punch cards, textile technologies have informed data storage. With the advent of electronically conductive fibres this peculiar pairing becomes even closer. It is now possible to concoct and construct textile patterns that also facilitate electronic functions. But what functions could these new textiles enable? And, perhaps more importantly to its maker--how could these textiles be made? This workshop explores what data storage would be like if qualities of craftsmanship were applied. It challenges a group of students to bind one textile technique (such as screen printing, knitting, or embroidery) with one encoding/decoding technique (optical, mechanical, or electrical). Each group will zoom in on possible ways these two distinct processes could interact at a material level. By means of an experimental material sample or sketch (working or conceptual) a speculative storage media will arise. The second layer of the workshop asks each group to contextualise what kind of information could be transmitted and what its meaning would be. By means of one photograph/or 10 second film, this new storage media will be placed in an everyday context--not as a product, but as an open-ended situation.Groups: 6 (4-5 persons per group)

Output: Each group of students will present 2 artefacts – one experimental textile sample (or detailed sketch) and one, and one photograph or short film. A template will be provided by Ebru. Groups will fill the template with work title, names of group members, and a short project description. Each group proposal will be pitched between 13:00 and 15:00 at the TU/e before the workshop opens to a wider public discussion and open workshop.