We had to create 2 masks, one that reveals and conceals me. Properties of the materials were significant in personal expression.

Reveal

This mask is made out of wire mesh. I chose this material because of its obvious properties. It makes the invisible visible, but not completely. It conceals insignificant details, making what it hides beautiful. The aesthetics of mesh is elegant. This material is also flexible, which I tend to be, more so when I am exposed. Even though the material mesh is made of a solid, it appears to look like an organic film.

Conceal

This mask is made out of metal. I chose this material because it juxtaposes the mesh. Unlike the mesh, it is rigid, awkward, and reflective. All are easy to be, hiding behind a mask.

Readings:

"Fashioning The Future: Tomorrow's Wardrobe"
"Extreme Textiles"

Thoughts on the Readings

Historically, fashion's expression of technology relies on the "imagery of science." I believe the reason why wearable technologies hasn't significantly advanced is because there is a disconnect in communication between the engineers and the creatives. The cost and variety of new materials are not readily available for research. Some of the limits include programmable textiles, low-voltage conductivity, and the reliability of these these materials.

There are some interesting works by Softswitch and Rachel Wingfield, both looking for inspiration in history. Softswitch designed a jacket for snowboarders, which was inspired by an astronaut's glove, to control and play music. Rachel Wingfield's designs help people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, specifically, light affecting mood. I am interested in making "play" more meaningful with wearables.