To build from nothing and also from everything: Craft and the Digital Turn Open Studio

‘To build from nothing and also from everything’. In their studio at OCAD University, the Craft and the Digital Turn team were bequeathed a pile of 4’ x 8’ left over cardboard – 80 sheets to be exact. They were smitten by the possibility of creating new and useful objects from this otherwise disposable material. This was the beginning of their material exploration that led to particle board, moss, metal, foam, fabric, yarn, vinyl, glue, rebar, linen and their interactions with digital tools and methodologies.

Visit their open studio to see the work the Craft and the Digital Turn team has produced during this 3-year research project exploring the intersections of craft and digitality. The team utilized digital tools such as laser cutters, CNC machines, computer software programs and more, while also investigating tangible handmade processes like hand-knitting, welding, and weaving. Themes of outsourcing, material-informed making, pedagogy, and digital-making will be highlighted. Join the team for conversation and exchange around craft methodology, digital tools, processes, and networks.

This research is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Government of Canada (SSHRC) and OCAD University through a Partnership Development Grant.