I recently had the opportunity to talk with Kate Hartman, an artist, teacher and member of the Interactive Telecommunications Program at Tisch School of the Arts. Kate works in a variety of mediums from simple analog wearable projects that explore how we communicate with ourselves to Arduino powered devices that let our plants Twitter their needs. What most draws me to Kate’s work is the way it combines practicality with playfulness and whimsy. Botanicalls, for instance, is a boon to those of us who regularly murder the most robust houseplants due to lack of attention. Kate’s device enables our usually stoic and inanimate green friends to reach out to us when they need help (I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!). Her Muttering Hat project instantly reminded me of a garment that might be worn by a little Hoo from Hooville. But it also serves as a wearable illustration; a garment that gives us an opportunity to get some distance from thoughts that may be immediately overwhelming and even assist us in sharing those thoughts with others.

Check out more of Kate’s work at: www.katehartman.com

Kate Hartman creates new tools for expression through innovative and playful applications of technology. Her individual and collaborative projects span the fields of telephony, electronics, fashion, and art. She holds a B.A. from Bard College in Film and Electronic Media and a Masters from New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.