Abstract

The presentation illustrates the results of an interdisciplinary practice between the main author as art jeweller and engineering with materials science. The talk will be supported by a series of examples of surface marking of titanium by laser for the production of jewellery objects and the effects caused by heat delivered to the titanium substrate. The research demonstrates how laser controlled oxide growth on titanium can be used as an artistic tool by producing precisely defined colours according to different parameter settings. The overriding success of this work, however, is the pathway created from art practice into engineering research, taking advantage of methodologies from both cultures, resulting in an improved communication and understanding between these extreme disciplines. The paper is also concerned with the distance created between artist and technology, the importance of crossing boundaries and taking risks beyond normal personal practice in order to join in the investigation of global current debates, for example climate change. Through the collaboration with scientists and engineers and the production of art jewellery the author aims to bring new knowledge of science research and art practice to wider audiences