Annarita Bianco

MEET THE MAKER

Merıstėma Lab is an experimental design studio. As in an alchemical laboratory, the silent matter, substances mix, materials transform and suggestions coming from different disciplinary areas come together to take on new conformations. Like the meristem – plant tissue that contains undifferentiated cells – any concept can materialize into something that goes beyond traditional distinctions: jewels, graphics, objects that they hybridize craftsmanship and technological processes, analogue and digital, biological and synthetic. A research design practice that by mixing humanistic knowledge and scientific theories aims at stimulate reflection on the key issues of our present, sketches out possible scenarios suspended between reality and imagination. The techniques used range from those traditional to digital: 3d printing through laser sintering, stereolithography, multijet fusion and FDM, milling of wood and marble with numerical control machines, photoengraving metal chemistry, laser cutting and engraving, laser welding of precious and non-precious metals. The materials I use range from traditional metals, marbles, woods, to processing waste of semi-industrial processes, electronic waste and biomaterials.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART IN iATELIER ONLINE PROGRAMME?

I am strongly interested in the hybridization of traditional techniques with those of industry 4.0. From 2018 to 2020 I attended the goldsmith art course at TADS, Tarì design school, an educational experience that allowed me to learn the main techniques of craftsmanship in the goldsmith sector such as: casting, investment casting, rolling and drawing , wax modelling, torch and laser welding, granulation, cross-linking on copper and silver alloys, patinas, cleaning and finishing of casting pieces, polishing, galvanic treatments, copper electroforming, jaw setting

I collaborated with marble and wood artisans for the creation of furniture and artifacts. The internship at a goldsmith’s workshop put me in contact with a team of artisans collaborating both in the design phase and in the practical realization phase. Dealing with the production aspects is fundamental in the design process, this allows you to rethink or reinvent a technique, bring out new values from the material and its processing.

WHAT IS YOUR FEEDBACK?

The expert talks provided a general overview of the technologies existing on the market. Certainly the meeting with the textile world and with Cristina Mariani will bring about future design developments. I would also like to collaborate with other artisans and designers who took part in the project.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• Network of people known thanks to this project
• New skills related to textiles
• The need to clearly communicate the project
• The approach to hybrid online and offline design
• Many incentives for new projects

FINAL PROJECT FOR iATELIER ONLINE

Click to view the PDF presentation of InnerScapes project

Reference scenario

The project starts from the analysis of a contemporary emerging phenomenon. The outbreak of the pandemic has resulted to the loss of one’s sense of safety, habits and in more cases delicate of physical and mental integrity, a phenomenon described as Pandemic fatigue. A condition that has caused the re-emergence of e increase the sensitivity with respect to the Emotional Health Issues, del mental well-being and self-care. A need evidenced by the increase the use of apps and programs customized support to the meditation, breathing and yoga. Strengthen the sense of connection with the own being, memories and experiences positive, take advantage of sensory activation, educate on breathing practices they can be valid strategies for coping with emotional states of anxiety and stress.

InnerScapes is a device that assists the user in breathing techniques, a sensitive tapestry, in able to recall a positive experience unique and personal. Individual positive memories are explored and collected through an online platform, are then translated into a visual-tactile code and transformed in an interactive hanging textile element.

The project is realized with the craftsgirl Cristina Mariani.