A Conversation about Collaborative Practice by MAKE.SHIFT Concepts

ABSTRACT. MAKE.SHIFT Concepts is a Sydney-based collaborative research practice combining textile practitioner Armando Chant, fashion practitioner Donna Sgro, and design architect Olivier Solente. Through the practice, the designers explore transdisciplinary crossings between fashion, textiles, art, and architecture. Each designer brings a particular expertise to the practice, which when combined is expanded into something new. MAKE.SHIFT Concepts have produced two bodies of work for exhibition, CONSTRUCTIONS and TRANSITIONS. The designer interview is conducted in the form of a conversation between the three individuals, who discuss and evaluate the complex interactions that occur in the process of producing creative work between disciplines, and the establishment of a working practice focused on process. The research practice asks the following questions: How can transdisciplinary practitioners develop a collaborative practice that explores potentialities, and what types of outcomes may result? How may these outcomes expand the disciplinary practices out of which they arise? CONSTRUCTIONS was the first exhibition of collaborative work from MAKE.SHIFT Concepts. This exhibition was installed at the Damien Minton Annex Space, in Redfern, October 29 November 4, 2012. This exhibition included a series of works including hanging fabric, garments, and sculptures, together with projected image. TRANSITIONS was the second exhibition of collaborative work from MAKE.SHIFT Concepts. This exhibition was installed at No Vacancy Gallery in Melbourne, March 26-31, as part of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program. This exhibition included a series of outcomes, including hanging garments, wood and metal sculptures, and a fashion film