Petal Pusher

For additional available artworks or to commission a custom electronic textile artwork, please visit Maggie Orth's website.

Petal Pusher is an interactive textile and light installation that explores the hidden electrical and transmissive properties of textiles. Each pattern is machine embroidered on DesignTex wool felt and hand tufted with electronic yarns. When viewers touch the tufted, electronic textile sensor area of each pattern, the felt and embroidered yarns are illuminated from behind, revealing the light transmissive properties of the textile. Color variation and reflection change as viewers illuminate different panels at four different light levels. Forty-nine unique patterns - all derived from a single motif - are available, in numerous configurations. Each pattern is limited to an edition of twelve.

Each patented, electronic textile sensor is made of yarn twisted with fine metal fibers that are charged with a small, harmless amount of electricity. Your body is a big bag of electrically conductive salt water. Touching the tufted sensors allows the electrical charge to flow from the yarn, through your body, to ground. Circuitry detects this change in charge and sends an electrical signal to brighten and dim the lights.

Media: DesignTex wool felt, machine embroidered rayon yarns, hand tufted conductive yarns, acrylic, lamp and electrical parts. Individual units: 11"w x 11"h x 5"d.

Download the Pattern and Variation Guide [PDF]

Petal Pusher is currently available for purchase. Each unit is US$450. Please contact IFM for information.