Walton Institute eTextiles Art Piece Exhibits in Waterford City

 “Crafted Stories of Fabric and Light”, an art piece facilitated by Walton Institute at South East Technological University, features in the “Our Waterford 2040” Exhibition, now on display in Central Library. The exhibition, curated by Luke Currall of Waterford Gallery of Art, tells the story of what a carbon neutral future might look like.

The art piece was created with embroidery hoops and LED lights by 12 participants during a three-hour workshop at Central Library, facilitated by Aileen Drohan, Experienced Software Research Engineer at Walton Institute’s eTextiles Laboratory and MJ Jacob, artist, art educator, maker and owner of Mad Jessie.

The workshop participants focused on themes surrounding Climate Action, drawing on personal reflection, facts and experiences, to create interconnecting pieces that represent the fabric of life, the turbulent times we live in and the effects of climate change. Each piece includes LED lights sewn in place with conductive thread. 12 pieces were made during the workshop but at any one time only 8 of the 12 hoops can connect to the central ‘motherboard’, exploring multiple concepts including action, possible outcomes, and the importance of coming together to protect our world.

Crafted Stories of Fabric and Light, supported by Europe Direct, is on exhibition at the Index Gallery, Central Library, Waterford between 11th – 31st October 2023.

Click to learn more about Walton Institute’s Smart Material and eTextile Innovation Laboratory.