"I think of my practice as being concerned with ‘emotional technologies’ as I am deeply interested in the relationship between people and their technologies, and how this can be amplified, augmented and improved. I am interested in objects and artefacts with which we have strong existing emotional relationships (a loved ring or favourite scarf) and whether we can simply add another layer of meaning to these – a layer of therapeutic technology. In this way the cherished possession becomes even more loaded as it is the thing keeping us alive in addition to being a representation of other things."
My practice is located at the nexus of art and design - utilising advanced technologies to develop potent human scale projects. My current research involves developing technology augmented jewellery, garments and devices which facilitate intrapersonal and interpersonal understanding. I am presently collaborating with nanotechnologists to develop wearables (augmented jewellery and artefacts) which address the emotional in therapeutic design. I am also engaged in developing a body of projects from nano-engineered materials (aerogel, shape change alloys, magnetic fluid and electroluminescent materials). My research, practice, and teaching are multidisciplinary in nature and my work has been exhibited and presented both locally and globally.
I lecture in Interior Design at RMIT University, Melbourne
and am actively engaged
in developing work, exhibiting, writing, researching and teaching. My
background meshes communication theory and spatial investigation with a Masters from SIAL and
Bachelor degrees in Communications (1991-1993, University
of Canberra) and Interior
Design (1999-2002, RMIT).
Download Leah's portfolio here
