The Cuttlefish Pirate is an experimental and exploratory attempt about creating a reactive fabric using photochromic pigments.​
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Much research was applied to the psychology nervous system of the cuttlefish. Because the jacket cannot be controlled neurologically like a cuttlefish does with its skin, it is only an experiment with materials until another creation can be made that links to the brain and is fully controlled by the artist.
The jacket fabric consists of several tablecloths, and is cut into nautically themed appliqués. The photochromic pigment was applied in stripes to mimic a cuttlefish’s pattern. When the artist is exposed to direct sunlight the white of the jacket turns to a light blue to represent the depths of water as the cuttlefish swims down, or as a pirate drowns.
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PROCESS
Overall the process of research, experimentation, sewing, and refining took place of the course of three or more weeks.
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Much trial and error occurred when finding the correct ratio and recipe of pigment to bonding agent, then blending all of the colors together in a pleasing manner when controlled by the sun.
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Many other tests were conducted in complete darkness with a blacklight in order to work with phosphorescent pigment.
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