Q. What fabric material qualities did you envision in this and how close is it to natural fibre quality?
A. As regards qualities - it's biodegradable and forms into any shape, seamless. It is produced using organic processes. The by-product created by the bacteria through the process of fermentation is a completely organic cotton-like (cellulose). It has a quality ranging from fleshy paper when thin to a leather-like substance when thick.
Q. How close it is to be called 'second skin', if at all?
A. Due to the quality and texture of the 'fabric' especially when wet, has a porous spongy soft feel like skin.
Q. What manufacturing possibilities and marketing potential do you seek in these products?
A. We are still working on the flexibility of the material, however at this stage we can produce garments over forms. As an art project, we are investigating the practical and cultural implications of marketing and want to promote the work as a provocative art piece to raise discussion about future textile technologies.
Q. Can this technology be adaptable under all climes and situations?
A. Yes, this technology is definetly adaptable in all regions, as this non-pathenogenic and non-hazardous bacteria probably exists around the world. And wine flows freely!
Q. Any other information you may wish to share with our portal members.
A. This project is funded by The Department of Culture and the Arts and ArtsWA. Produced at The Institute of Agriculture, The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Laboratories in collaboration with SymbioticA: The Art and Science Collaborative Research Laboratory, The School of Anatomy and Human Biology at The University of Western Australia.
We are most interested in exhibiting the work in the public sphere for discussion and debate (exhibitions, conferences etc.)-if there are any suggestions or contacts available, this would be most appreciated.
University of Western Australia
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