Rebecca Otero

Biography

Rebecca Otero is a textiles and interaction designer with a fine arts background. Having started out curating and managing exhibitions in the arts field she went on to spend a year researching and working with the Asociacion de Arte Textile in Mexico, later to return to gain experience as a designer in various commercial textiles and interior companies. Recently working for Materials trend prediction at WGSN Worth Global Style network. She has a wide range of knowledge in smart and interactive textiles with skills in print, stitch techniques and most recently upholstery.

Programme knowledge included Adobe design Suite (Photoshop, indesign, illustrator) Macromedia Flash, dream weaver and office package on Mac.

Final Project

Chairs In Conversation; Inspired by Greek definitions of love in relations called Eros + Ludus, Mania and Storge. Scala Amoris are 3 sets of textile/chairs designed to narrate the imperceptible beauty of human love and subtle communications that happen in close one to one proximity, making the intangible tangible. The two seats join together at a point for correct sitting posture to engage in positive conversation. On doing so they glow a gentle light from within revealing a beautiful pattern unique to each chair.

Keywords

Research Question

How do interactive textiles challenge and enhance our perceptions through the way in which we interact in a social setting

Rationale & Context

People are communicating more through technical devices such as computers, the internet and mobile phones. Western societies mostly Britons and Americans interact less in close proximity then previous generations, this can have adverse affects. Having a high rate of touch deprivation has shown to result in depression and a weak immune system. Statistics also show that Briton has some of the most lonely singles in Europe but are the most active in trying to find love. Mostly due to many factors in modern cities and societies such as work, change in social structures and pressures there is less time with children or loved one's then previous generations. The problem is more profound then it may seem and if not dealt with will result in unhealthy and anti social societies. I have chosen to work with this problem and through my design encourage people to get closer. Inspired by Plato's narratives of love relationships and animal mating signals, the designs celebrate close interactions and flirtations. Almost 80%of what we see through body language makes us decide weather we trust somebody so it is not what's said but how we are made to feel that is most important. Fabrics and furniture are like an extension of the body so textiles lends itself well to Non-verbal signals. It is important for both design and technology to be emotionally responsible, to enhance life. In this case through the delicate subtleties of human behaviour.

Material/ Technology

poly plastics moulding, polyester fibres, leather, wood engravaing, ultra sonic sensor technology, shape momory alloy, flocking, printing, lazar cutting..

Links

http://www.rebeccaotero.com http://picasaweb.google.com/rebecca.otero/ArtsSchool http://www.ica-theclub.com/profiles/profile/rebecca_otero_@_ross/0

Contact

rebecca.otero@gmail.com 07989308642

• rebeccaotero-textile#2E540A.pdf: press release