Quivering tumors oh so beautiful

A post WAY OVERDUE, I apologise.
To explore the capabilities of the lilypad arduino, this is an experimentation to observe the polarity of the beautiful and the grotesque. Using unconventional materials (water balloons, stockings, pillow), I created a growth of tumor like infestation that quivers when it nears objects or people.

The original plan was to have the tumors visibly quiver and shake when someone comes near it, but my motor was too small, so only when someone touches it can they feel it shake.

I was really inspired by LucyandBart and their collection of whimsical experimentations with materials and the human body (refer to my earlier post on this topic).

Although nowhere near its finished state, I'm really happy with the effect it already has. I'm would like to continue with this project it hopes that it could turn into a larger installation of some sort, (I see carpets).

textrual exploration

At the moment I am still at lost as to what my final project should be. The above pictures are experimentations I am doing for my grad project. Although a different context all together, I am very much inspired by the same textural exploration for all my ideas.
So far I've been doing these experimentations without a definitive project in mind, that is to say, once I've built enough of a textural for myself, I can apply elements from my findings to different aspects of each of my projects.

It is however VERY exciting that I will have the opportunity to take these material explorations a step further, and possibility develop more of a interactive surface. Interactivity has been one of the main reasons for my explorations, so it will be a super bonus to incorporate technological capabilities to my library.

tree lamp in a bag

My project with thermochromic ink: tree lamp in a bag. I figured with a halogen light bulb it was a sure way of generating enough heat to have some effect on the disappearing ink, and also I liked the idea of an interactive lamp shade. My concept was simply a depiction of deforestation due to human settlement. Electricity--lamps--are sure signs of urbanization, so I thought it would be an idea to communicate the concept every time someone turns on a lamp.

As for the process, although screen printing would have given me the best result, I chose to simply apply my vinyl template directly onto my fabric, and dabbed the paint on, just to save time, paint and energy. I only applied the thermochromic ink to some of the tree icons and the rest was with regular paint for effect, so perhaps dabbing the paint on was the better way to go.

I did make a frame for the shades at some point, but decided I didn't like the effect, so I stuck with the bag-on-a-pole idea. Some might think its tacky, but I kinda liked the effect, although I do agree it can be worked on a little more.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the final product, but it will be added asap.

first post

This blog will be a record of my research, insights and process for the works done in the first ever interactive wearables course here at Emily Carr University. I have named my term long exploration "Fingertips", a body part that has fueled many of my inspirations in the past.

Some past explorations: