Within the European research project Tracks4Crafts, we seek to personify and define a crafts person 2.0. A guardian of quality and intangible heritage who can enrich a craft with modern technologies. In this Waag Open edition, we will explore what this craftsperson 2.0 might look like—experience how hacking tools can create a dynamic interplay between artisanal crafts for textile printing and computer-driven machines. We will start with a quick demonstration and work together on hacking tools and textile printing.
Are you a traditional craftsperson, textile designer, coder, or just interested in how technology and craft can intertwine? Join us!
Combining age-old traditions with modern technology can create a sensory and creative interaction between the craftsperson and the digitally controlled machine (a CNC machine). This is in contrast to the typical perception of using a CNC machine, where you set up a machine, send your file, press start and wait till the job is done. As a CNC machine user, how can you still be in touch with the craft process? How does the machine need to evolve, and what relationship do you foster with it? Prepare to hack existing mark-making tools like markers, brushes, and stamps for a whole new digital textile printing process with a traditional soul.
As part of the European project, TextileLab Amsterdam is researching bio-based haptic digital textile printing protocols as an alternative to solely analogue or digital printing processes in the pilot called ‘Hacking the Machines’. The TextileLab team working on ‘Hacking the machines’—consisting of TextileLab lead Cecilia Raspanti, project manager Isabel Berentzen, and researchers Aslı Aydın Aksan and Michelle Vossen—will demonstrate their ongoing research on adapting digitally controlled machines to print on textiles.
Programme
About Tracks4Crafts
Not only in the Netherlands but across Europe, it is no longer a given that a craftsperson's knowledge is passed onto the next generation.
Tracks4Crafts is a research project that aims to promote the continuity and longevity of crafts. Through experiments in pilot cases spread across Europe, we test several tools, formats and instruments that can help transmit traditional crafts knowledge (TCK) to safeguard not only the crafts but also intangible skills and knowledge that characterise craftsmanship. The UAntwerp coordinates this research collaboration of 15 partners (of research institutes, heritage - and umbrella organisations) from 10 different countries. Horizon Europe, an initiative of the European Commission, funds the four-year trajectory.
About our pilot ‘Hacking the Machines’
In our TextileLab pilot, we research how “hacking the machines” of a classic Textile(or Fab)Lab can create new opportunities for craftspeople to innovate the craft of printing on textiles through natural colours and their traditional processes. We aim to create an alternative protocol for these processes where craftspeople maintain their creative / knowledge-holding role while creating new technological interventions. These technological interventions offer new degrees of freedom and collaboration between the craftsperson and the machine. Natural dyes, machine communication protocols and haptic sensors form the research body for this intervention.
Waag Open
Waag Open is a monthly public programme focused on today's themes. We organise workshops and present collaborations between scientists, designers, and artists. Once a month, Waag opens its doors to programmes that anyone and everyone can attend.
Accessibility
As the Waag building is a listed building, it is unfortunately not equipped with a lift. This event will take place in the Makersguild on the first floor of the Waag building.
If you are tight on funds and want to participate in this event, please get in touch with tanja [@] waag [dot] org.
