Recent graduate Amy Congdon is currently undertaking a 3 month residency at SymbioticA in Perth, Western Australia. Looking at exploring the idea of ‘bespoke biological textiles’ Amy is attempting to grow skin cells over her completely embroidered textile scaffolds.

As a designer engaging with science, Amy is exploring the blurring of roles between these disciplines and learning tissue culture as a technique through which to engage with using life as a raw material for her work.

“Bespoke is often considered the height of luxury, with pieces being individually made for a client.  What if in the future we are able to have biologically bespoke pieces made, would we want them, what form could they take and most importantly should we be allowed to have them?  Designers will have increasingly important roles to play, not only in their designs but also in their choice of materials.  Removed from their source do our cells, and the cells of others, become the ultimate commodity?”

More:
- MA Textile Futures course page
- Amy Congdon on the SymbioticA website
- Amy Congdon’s website