Resurfaced: an exploration of 'design for upcycling' through laser finishing for textiles

Symposium organised by Kerry Walton and Janette Matthews in collaboration with the Textile Research Group and the Drawing Research Group the event explored themes in relation to the use of lasers in Art & Design and their contribution to making artefacts. Laser processing of metals, acrylics, wood, textiles and other materials is a well-known industrial process for cutting and marking. Equipment is becoming more accessible and even commonplace in academic institutions for use by Art & Design and Design Technology departments. As is often the case with emerging technologies, there is a requirement for the potential to be fully understood before the process can be exploited. A number of practitioners, designers and technologists are involved in exciting work that moves the laser process beyond just a cut or a mark in a material. This one-day symposium will explore the laser process in Art & Design and the relationship of practitioners to the technology. Through a series of illustrated presentations and panel discussions by leading artists, designers, researchers and technologists, it will show how the process is being exploited through innovative practice and demonstrate that laser processing is more than a means of cutting. The relationship between laser technology and its impact on underlying practice will be questioned. Advances and emerging trends in the development of laser technology and the consequent impact on practice will also be explored