Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science - by Rebecca McNamara (Paperback)

About the Book

"Can crochet explain the complexities of non-Euclidean geometry? How does the 1804 Jacquard loom relate to modern computing? For centuries, fiber arts have influenced practical, theoretical and pedagogical areas of the sciences as diverse as digital technology, mathematics, neuroscience, medicine and more. Radical Fiber explores this relationship through contemporary art and historical artifacts that address five key themes: shape, machine, body, brain, and community. It foregrounds each work as at once fine art, process-driven craft and scientific tool, complicating existing frameworks across fields. How did the accidental discovery of synthetic mauveine dye in 1856 pave the way for modern pharmaceuticals yet also generate toxic environmental impact? Why do we respond differently to a woven photograph than a printed one? These and other questions reframe the histories of fiber/science intersections and ask not only how artists continue to engage in scientific inquiry through fiber, but also importantly, how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future. Radical Fiber features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. Alongside a number of unidentified artists, additional artists and creators include: Lia Cook, Brock Craft, Veronica Dry, Anna Dumitriu, Ellis Developments, Hanne Kekkonen, Kintra Fibers, Elaine Krajenke Ellison, Karen Norberg, William Henry Perkin, Helen Remick, Dario Robleto, Daniela Rosner, Samantha Shorey, John Sims, Soft Monitor (Victoria Manganiello and Julian Goldman), Daina Taimina, Cecilia Vicuäna, Christine Wertheim, Margaret Wertheim and Carolyn Yackel"--

Book Synopsis

Can crochet explain the complexities of non-Euclidean geometry? How does the 1804 Jacquard loom relate to modern computing? Radical Fiber celebrates the overlap between art, science, interdisciplinary creativity and collaborative learning

For centuries, fiber arts have influenced sciences as diverse as digital technology, mathematics, neuroscience, medicine and more. Radical Fiber explores this relationship through contemporary art and historical artifacts that address five key themes: shape, machine, body, brain and community. How did the accidental discovery of synthetic mauveine dye in 1856 pave the way for modern pharmaceuticals while also generating toxic waste? Why do we respond differently to a woven photograph than a printed one? These and other questions reframe the fiber/science intersection and ask how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future.
Radical Fiber features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, part of the Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. Alongside numerous unidentified artists, additional artists and creators include: Lia Cook, Brock Craft, Veronica Dry, Anna Dumitriu, Ellis Developments, Hanne Kekkonen, Kintra Fibers, Elaine Krajenke Ellison, Karen Norberg, William Henry Perkin, Helen Remick, Dario Robleto, Daniela Rosner, Samantha Shorey, John Sims, Soft Monitor (Victoria Manganiello and Julian Goldman), Daina Taimina, Cecilia Vicun?a and Carolyn Yackel.

Review Quotes

I highly recommend this book as both an introductory survey of the connections between fiber arts and science and math, and as a source of innumerable new ideas to explore.--Joshua Holden "Mathematical Intelligencer"