╳ Working at the boundaries of handcraft and design, Embroidered Furniture (pictured) applies artisanal techniques to create a unique concept, which imbues abandoned objects with a magic that transcends their original function. ‘Forsaken’ defines the word abandoned and many objects can be described as thus; however a new paradigm, has emerged, which challenges the traditional boundaries between old, new, analogue and digital, and can be described as ‘the meeting of objects and materials in a story of responsive exchange.’ ╳ Forming aesthetic couplings, seemingly insignificant items, such as orphaned door handles and vintage ironmongery, have been artfully reconfigured to form a synthesised whole; and in the process, create new and unexpected meanings. A celebration of ‘re-use’, this concept makes clear its concern about wasting resources; and through using abandoned objects explores our relationship to discarded objects (and technology).
╳ With the goal of creating a new visual language, the central point for investigations was based on a dynamic approach: integrating realities and points of view. This work aimed to seek out, through exploration of materiality and digital technologies potential characteristics that may furnish ‘sentiment’ or ‘empathy’ in artefacts; or in other words, investigate 'meaning/s' that can be embedded into materials and objects in order to 'communicate' with individuals at an emotional level. The development of a research method for this unique project has required meaningful conversations between materials research, artisanal techniques, cognitive psychology and digital technology to harness the creative tensions between ‘art’ and ‘science’.╳ After a summer of tweaking, interns and preparation for this exciting event Thread Count Lab is ticking off the days until we present our investigation into tangible interfaces.
