Fabric Of The Future

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday November 22, 2005

Dr Penelope Harris, from UOW's Faculty of Creative Arts is exploring computerised textiles.

I AM working with an academic and artist Associate Professor Barbara Layne from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, on interactive textiles.

Prof Layne has developed technology that has computerised textiles.

Prof Layne's main research interest is the development of intelligent cloth structures for the creation of artistic, performative and functional textiles.

These fabrics incorporate microcomputers and sensors to create surfaces that are receptive and responsive to external stimuli.

Recent explorations feature an array of light-emitting diodes that present changing patterns and texts through the structure of cloth.

Wireless transmission systems are also being incorporated to support real-time communication.

One project is where electronic writing can scroll across the back of a piece of clothing while it is being worn.

I have recently received a University Internationalisation Committee International Links grant to bring Prof Layne to the University of Wollongong and for myself to travel to Concordia University.

Prof Layne will come to UOW next March to give lectures and meet researchers.

I will go to Canada in April to meet the researchers at the Hexagram Research Institute in Montreal and start on a project there, working with a large fabric printer, and meet researchers and speak with staff.

One of the discussions will be about an exchange staff exhibition between the universities.

Hexagram is a collaboration between Concordia University and the University of Quebec. Hexagram is a A$8 million project with eight areas of activity:

? interactive performance and sound;

? interactive television and virtual communities;

? robotic arts and artificial intelligence;

? adaptive, broadband and wireless video;

? emerging cinema and virtual characters;

? interactive textiles and wearable computers;

? advanced digital imaging and rapid prototyping; and,

? immersive environments, virtual reality and digital gaming.

Cirque du Soleil president Daniel Lamarre is chair of the Hexagram board. Mr Lamarre sees the project as an incubator for talent, and said he will work to ensure that its research is applicable to the cultural industry.

I spent 1996-97 on the west coast of Canada working on my thesis research on colonial Canadian photography and have kept ties there.

I will return to Montreal in April and spend my upcoming study leave there.

Best part of your research: Meeting really interesting people and an opportunity to travel to a very beautiful country.

Advice for young researchers: Patience, and go little bit by little bit and have a long-term goal.

Website: www.hexagram.org