Catalyst Conversations in partnership with The Foundry presents

The Transformative Power of Fiber

Researcher: Irmandy Wicaksono
Artist: Cori Champagne
Artist: Samantha Fields

Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6:30-7:30 pm 
in-person at The Foundry 101 Rogers St, Cambridge, MA 02142

Fiber is having a moment. With these three practitioners we experience the transformative power of craft. This conversation will be a fascinating window into understanding how art and science reflect and illuminate ideas important to each other.

Researcher Irmandy Wicaksono weaves electronic devices into soft materials and the fabric of everyday life for various applications ranging from health monitoring, human-computer interaction, space exploration to the interactive arts. He is passionate in exploring the creative interplay between science, engineering, art, and design, as well as the intersection between research and manufacturing.

In artist Cori Champagne’s recent work she uses clothing as a format and a material. "Clothing is our first home. It projects identity, produces comfort, offers protection. As the world imposes more and constant change, I create clothing for conditions no longer comfortably futuristic. Garments convert to shelters; clothing anticipates emergency events. What can be worn can become the architecture of sanctuary."

Artist Samantha Fields is drawn to the materials and processes that have historically lived outside of an “Art” context, she strives to make work that can live in and speak to the different worlds of 'high' and 'low.' “I make--slowly--with/through craft.  Making slowly is a personal act of resistance against the fast-paced, multi-tasking, product-driven world in which I find myself.”

Please join Catalyst Conversations for a stimulating in-person evening of art and science on Wednesday, November 2nd.