Bend, Sew, Touch, Feel, Read

To explore the possibilities of bringing electronics closer to bodies and plants we are organising a workshop with the artists Hannah Perner-Wilson and Mika Satomi in which you will learn how to use textiles and electronics to interact with humans and plants. Human bodies and plants are not rigid but flexible, soft and pliant. Computers, keyboards, mice and peripherals, all rigid, fixed, made from plastic or metal, will be objects for surgery in order to salvage parts that can made flexible. Activities could range from building gigantic felt push buttons, to obtaining information on how a leaf turns towards the sun, to integrating electronics into clothing.

Mika Satomi and Hannah Perner-Wilson: Our collaborations explore the realm of wearable technology as a medium for commenting on technological and social aspects. Throughout our projects we are conscious of wearability and functionality. We believe in the spirit of humouring technology and a twisted criticism of the stereotypes it creates. For us, technology is to be hacked, DIYed and modified by everyone to fit our needs and desires.

Mika Satomi is originally from Japan, currently based in Linz, Austria. Her current interests lead her to explore the concept of an urban body extension in the realm of wearable technology. http://www.nerding.at

Hannah Perner-Wilson studied Industrial Design and Interface Cultures at the Art University in Linz, Austria. She enjoys breaking technologies down to a basic level, from which she is able to develop her own interaction solutions and scenarios. http://www.plusea.at

We will work with conductive and resistive textile, Arduino and all manner of electronic components. Maximum number of participants will be 12. Please send an example of what you are currently working on and towards what you would like to work to wendy@constantvzw.org

• http://www.kobakant.at