Wearable Sculpture Process

As my capstone arts project, I am exploring the intersection of art and technology, strength and delicacy, and textured and smooth. This is a completely self-directed project in which I have explored sewing, electronics, and mechanical creation techniques. I am also exploring methods of documentation so this page will serve as a sounding board.

All feedback is very welcome!To the left are my initial sketches. If you wish to see my inspiration and brainstorming, please see this Pinterest board.

In my initial sketches, I envisioned a pair of carbon fiber half-sleeves that can telescope up or down. Carbon fiber is light and appears delicate but is actually quite strong. I love the different weaves and want to explore how to get a glossy sheen on each section (something I have struggled with in the past).

As I explored my ideas on the project more, I identified that I wanted this outfit to represent not only the strength we consciously don but the strength that is inherently within each of us. This strength is not always apparent to others or to ourselves until we need it.

I created a design to be painted onto the dress. This design is painted with thermochromic pigment that go clear when heated. I am currently prototyping with carbon tape as a heating element. The heat is controlled by a flex sensor that will be sewn into the waistline of the dress. The sensor is complete and the heating element is coming along!

I'm still experimenting with the final documentation of my project. Below is an attempt at a booklet. There are some issues with the colors between pages and layout. This booklet may accompany the final showing of the project at my college. I may however ultimately present my work as a video because the final product's dynamic nature will be better captured this way.