project: breath
These pieces are experiments in weaving 3D multilayered auxetic structures. Auxetic structures expand in the perpendicular direction to the applied force - they become larger in a different direction to the one they're pulled in. When woven, the cloth is small and flat; when stretch out at the sides, the depth of the fabric pops up.
When activated with shape memory alloy, the structure expands and contracts with the appearance of breathing.
In August 2022, Helsinki, I presented my peer-reviewed paper Creating Auxetic Structures in 3D Weaving at the Bridges Aalto 2022 Conference. Bridges is an international conference on mathematical connections in art, music, architecture, and culture. My work Auxetic Morph (top left) was accepted into the accompanying exhibition.
With grateful thanks, an ArtsACT Arts Activity grant made it possible for me to attend the Conference and Exhibition.
on-loom testing
When you plan, and weave, and test, there’s nothing like the rush of watching it work for the first time.
making it move
This test, using shape-memory alloy wire and basic electronics, was proof of concept exploring activation methods. The gentle inhale and exhale gives life to the structure.