Melanie Olde

My work is inspired by biomimetics – viewing plants as living cloth, researching cellular structures for form, function and array, interpreting these into complex woven fabric. My influences derive from mathematical geometries, patterns and algorithms found in nature. This piece is influenced by auxetic geometries, shapes that expand in one axis when stretched in another. My current research projects involve movement in three-dimensional woven cloth using soft robotics and auxetics, and the effect these have on the viewer. I am fascinated by the applications and versatility of three-dimensional woven structures, how they can create hyperbolic, sculptural, or unusual surfaces, integrating technology, strength and aesthetics.