Making jewellery and artwork is now a hobby, I’ve established a eco-bridal business that takes up most of my time, and also retrained to become a doula. You can find out more about these things over on my website www.daisylouisemiles.com
elements of eggs - digital collage
fruits eggs and colour - inspiration board
my own photographs
Last night I was treated to the interactive playtime of my material loving dreams. The open evening was part of the five day long Festival of Stuff held by the Institute of Making at UCL. As explained on their website the Institute of Making is, “a multidisciplinary research club for those interested in the made world: from makers of molecules to makers of buildings, synthetic skin to spacecraft, soup to diamonds, socks to cities.” They cover a lot of bases because, as director Mark Miodownik is keen to point out, “everything is made of something.”
The evening started with a bit of basic background on materials science delivered by Mark, in which he encouraged us to think about the different scales, behaviours of naturally occurring and manmade materials, as well as the cultural connections we have with them according to these properties.
One of things that really set this event apart for me was the unique building. The Institute is comprised of the MakeSpace workshop and the Materials Library, both areas are charged with an electric atmosphere of opportunity. Surrounded by tools, clever design and odd specimens at every angle, imagine something along the lines of a futuristic research facility crossed with a madcap scientists personal hoard of trophies.
Activities on offer were a chance to pick the brains of the specialists whilst examining the contents of the materials library, “materials speed-dating” and two hands-on experimental workshops: one producing objects from raw silicone and the other utilising a heat press to create handmade composite materials.
The session flew by, but the helpful and encouraging technicians ensured that we got the most out of both the activities and the opportunity to tap their own pools of personal knowledge. One of the distinctive qualities of the Institute is the wide background of the staff, comprised as they are of Artists, Engineers and Scientists and all round multidisciplinary talents. The collective philosophy of the powers of cross-disciplinary working, and the understanding of the need to have a deeply tactile interaction with materials, was really showcased by the technician’s openness and encouragement for experimental ‘having a go’ attitudes.
The Festival of Stuff runs until Saturday the 21st of June, with multiple events on each day. Check out the full programme here: http://www.instituteofmaking.org.uk/events/series/festival-of-stuff
If you’re in London on Saturday and you’ve any interest in crafts, science and the materials we make our world out of, then I would highly recommend that you get yourself down to open day which runs from 1-5pm requires no booking, and is free to all members of the public.
selected spreads from the ‘Fruta’ collection lookbook - full set here: www.facebook.com/daisylouisemiles
