Marital Code (detail), Inga Hamilton
QR codes are pretty cool – they’re square black-and-white graphics that your camera phone (or a barcode reader) can recognize. The intricate pattern of a QR code is actually data, and when your device reads this data, it gets pointed to a website. QR codes are free and readily available to everyone.
After seeing a QR code for the first time, curator Sally Fort was instantly struck by how similar it looked to a knitting pattern graph or a patchwork quilt. This inspired her to start The QR-3D Project, which invites makers across the world to combine QR codes and textiles.
Image by Rachel Rose
Sally explains:
“I want to see how people experiment with different sorts of textiles to try and create QR codes that function and will direct people to a website. I’d love to see all sorts of people involved, those who love the internet and digital technology, or craft and making, people who just love pattern or secret codes, there are so many appealing things about it. It would be great to think that through this, more people will become familiar with how QR codes can magnify the power of the internet. For example, to help promote their small business, find other like minded makers, or be inspired to try something new.”
The project is open to everyone, whether you craft for fun or business. There are several websites that generate QR codes (you’ll find a list of links at the QR-3D website). Once you have your unique code, come up with a way to turn it into a textile project. Add it to the project’s Flickr group by July 31. A guest panel of craft and digital professionals will choose pieces from the online gallery to go into a live exhibition held at Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK, in Fall 2011.
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