|
The Open Source Embroidery project was initiated by Ele Carpenter in
2005. The project has grown to support and facilitate a range of artists practice investigating the relationship between programming for
embroidery and computing. It's based on the common characteristics of needlework crafts and open source computer programming: gendered obsessive
attention to detail; shared social process of development; and a transparency of process and product.
Open Source Embroidery is a socially engaged art project developed through workshops and an email list: os-embroidery@googlegroups.com
There are also groups on Facebook and Flickr.
Embroidery is constructed (mostly by women) in hundreds of tiny stitches which are visible on the front of the fabric.
The system of the stitches is revealed on the back of the material. Some embrioderers seal the back of
the fabric, preventing others from seeing the underlying structure of the pattern. Others leave the back open for
those who want to take a peek. A few integrate the backend process into the front of the fabric. The patterns are shared
amongst friends in knitting and embroidery 'ciricles'.
Software is constructed (mostly by men) in hundreds of tiny pieces of code, which form the hidden structure of the programme or
interface. Open Source software allows you to look at the back of the fabric, and understand the structure of your
software, modify it and distribute it. The code is shared amongst friends through online networks. However the stitches or code only make sense to those who are familiar with
the language or patterns.
The same arguments about Open Source vs Free Software can be applied to embriodery. The needlework crafts also have to
negotiate the principles of 'freedom' to create, modify and distribute, within the cultural and economic constraints of capitalism.
The Open Source Embroidery project simply attempts to provide a social and practical way of discussing the issues and
trying out the practice. Free Software, Open Source, amatuer and professional embrioderers and programmers are welcome to contribute to the project.
Open Source Embroidery pays homage to Ada Lovelace (1816-52) who helped to develop the Analytical Engine, the first idea
for a universal computer, with Charles Babbage. Lovelace wrote "we may say most aptly that the Analytical Engine weaves
algebraical patterns just as the Jaquard Loom weaves flowers and leaves." (Gere, 2002, p24). The Jaquard Loom (1810) was
the first machine to use punched-card programming.
Jess Laccetti interviewed Ele Carpenter about the project for Furtherfield
www.furtherfield.org
|