FUSION Residency: A look back…

FUSION (Fashion Up-Skilling; Innovation Open Network) is an international partnership project, funded by Creative Europe, that is offering designers/makers the opportunity to engage with digital fabrication tools.

During two weeks in February 2022, the two UK-based participating designers/makers were in residence at Makerversity, prototyping and developing bespoke products, across fashion, textiles and wearables for active ageing citizens. Ariane Fourquier is a weaver and researcher. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the Royal College of Art, exploring the new notion of “emotionally intelligent textiles’. Joanna Vanderpuije is a London based designer specialising in silk-screenprinted, progressive-luxury textiles, accessories and womenswear. Her textiles evolve from her hand drawings, paintings and mixed media.

We caught up with them to see where they got to with their prototypes and how they found their time at Makerversity.

Joanna Vanderpuije

“I made a prototype of my Daily Wall Pocket Compartments; with the goal to help aid the memory of people living with dementia. It can be used to store memory cards/prompts, photos, letters, to-do lists/reminders. There will be a series of 7 ‘boxes’ assigned to each day of the week.

The wooden box features an accordion folder inside (pockets) made of organic cotton; it has been 3D printed with a skeletal structure to allow it to fold and expand. At the front of the box is a framed handmade Cyanotype photo (which will be personalised to the user). The inner box also features a simple circuit of LED lights. ”

What were you hoping to achieve during the residency and what did you achieve

I was hoping to learn more about digital technologies and improve my skillset. For me, the residency was the perfect opportunity to make a product with a strong purpose and collaborate. I tried many new practises including woodwork, 3D printing, Cyanotype printing and laser cutting.. pretty great for only two weeks.

What surprised you about the residency, whether something about the making process or about Makerversity itself

I was surprised at how long 3D printing takes…hours! However the results are worth it (when it works out). Also, Makerversity is a hidden gem in the heart of London in the most beautiful setting with a huge community, that was a pleasant surprise.

Did you meet/get advice from any members during your time?

I met a few members at the first members breakfast. Was fascinating to hear what they all do, it’s such a varied community! I met a guy in the studios who was 3D printing intricate candle moulds for a side project and then a new member in the wood workshop (Steve) advised me on how to adjust the machines and stay safe whilst using the circle saw.

If you had the chance to do it all again, would you change anything?

My project was super ambitious and a lot to complete in two weeks. If I had to change anything it would be to have more time.

What’s next? any new projects lined up? will you develop this project any further?

I’m currently finishing off this project as there are still a few developments to go! The residency also opened up new ideas in my own work of fashion and accessories that I would like to explore; I hope to experiment with 3D printing and printed textiles soon again.

Find out more about Joanna here

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Ariane Fourquier

“This lightweight undergarment aims to reduce anxiety levels of all women going through menopause. The camisole emits a soft vibration on each strap when powered. Following the weaving technique of passementerie, the 3D printed straps hold an embedded electric circuit.”

What were you hoping to achieve during the residency and what did you achieve

I wanted to make a finished prototype, with a circuit that worked. I have managed to do that to some extent. The circuit works but doesn’t have a switch to be powered, it only works when the battery is inserted – which isn’t very practical! On top of this I wanted to make 2-3 other garments with different circuit placement and 3D printed mesh (on the back…) I quite fast realised this was way too ambitious given the time we had!  I also wanted to learn about 3D printing and that I did learn a lot. I do wish to have had more 1-2-1 time to really learn about it in depth rather than on the surface. But I’m glad I can now 3D print!

What surprised you about the residency, whether something about the making process or about Makerversity itself

I didn’t think Makerversity would be so big. It sounds stupid but I was impressed by the space of the studio and the amount of people that are members of the space. I didn’t expect Makerversity to welcome so many small start ups/businesses. In my mind it was more of a “maker space”. It’s really nice to see the variety of disciplines and innovative concepts people work on. Although it would have been beneficial to be introduced to some makers, even if the Makers breakfast is a great gathering, I felt a bit awkward not knowing anyone and not knowing who to come and talk to.

Did you meet/get advice from any members during your time?

I did, I met Nate briefly (of DAM). He builds 3D printers (one of the largest in the world if I remember well). He was really helpful in helping me with my 3D printing and learning small tricks.

If you had the chance to do it all again, would you change anything?

I would ask for more time! And probably ask for a pre-meeting with the technicians Adam and Max about my project to talk about a clear plan of action, which material to buy and which processes to use. It would have been less stressful and would have avoided me buying components more throughout the residency.

What’s next? any new projects lined up? will you develop this project any further?

I’m working on my PhD right now, I have an exhibition coming up at London Craft Week in May along with 9 other textile makers. I’ll be presenting woven paintings (not quite the same as what I made here!). I’ll be speaking about weaving, emotions and memory at a conference in Athens this summer. I don’t know if this project will go further, maybe later during my research, who knows!

Find out more about Ariane here

FUSION is delivered by four international partners:  

Limerick School of Art & Design (Ireland) – Lead Partner

Crafts Council (UK) – Leading on Creative Business

Polytechnic Institute of Cavado do Ave (Portugal) – Leading on Product Development

Fondazione Santagata per L’Economia della Cultura (Italy) – Leading on Research (Access to Digital Fabrication Tools)

Associate Partners:

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

DESIGN FACTORS (University of Limerick)

Fab Lab Limerick (University of Limerick, Ireland)

Fab Lab Barcelona (Spain)

Host Venue Partners:

Makerversity (UK)

Santa Chiara Lab (University of Sienna, Italy)

Crafts Council:

The Crafts Council (UK) is the country’s foremost authority on contemporary craft in all its forms. Founded in 1971, its role as guardian and champion of national craft practice has evolved to include exploring and enabling new possibilities, making methods and technologies. Its work is made possible by the support of trusts and foundations, individual patrons, and corporate sponsors, and through public funding by Arts Council England. www.craftscouncil.org.uk

Craft business skills and innovation

The craft business skills team work with a wide range of experts to provide makers with information and advice to enable their businesses to flourish. Our innovation programme collaborates with cultural, academic and industrial partners to give makers access to new materials and innovative technologies and inspire them to push the boundaries of their practice.

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