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I focused more on my evolving and changing vision for furthering research (more of a critical lens, ecological impacts, post-consumption, etc). Additionally, I also thought deeply about my connection between community libraries and our project and how those two can be similar in thoughtfulness and intention when it comes to web design and my personal continuation of research. I also focused on how I want to present my research by the means of web design.

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After learning about permeable pavement being implemented in Monroe Park after a tour given by the VCU Office of Sustainability, I was curious about other areas where it's used or what could be hindering its progress as an effective material.

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Deitrich Polyester/Petroleum Working Document 

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Deitrich Polyester/Petroleum Working Document 

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GRETCHEN  DEITRICH

What is Polyester (description?)

A synthetic fiber

Derived from petroleum

Non-biodegradable

PET fabric (polyethylene terephthalate)

Thermoplastic polymer

The particles form crystallized bonds which can turn into fibers

History of Polyester:

Was created for the first time in the mid-1930’s by a DuPont laboratory employee named W.H. Carothers (3).

Polyester wouldn’t become globally prevalent until the 1960s

The “boom” of the polyester industry was during the disco era (70s-80s)  in which polyester had the ability to hold brightly colored dyes and maintain it’s shape after being stretched (3).

Polyester is the most widely used and manufactured fiber in the world. In 2021, the production of polyester fabric reached a total of 60 metric tons (2). Since polyester is derived from petroleum, it’s an oil-based, plastic-like fiber that is non-biodegradable. However, polyester can be recycled and reused into recycled polyester but it rarely is.

The different types of polyester:

Virgin Polyester: This type of polyester is directly made from petroleum, it takes more resources and energy than recycled polyester (4).

Recycled Polyester: This type of polyester is made from recycled polyester or PET products (water bottles, single-use plastics, etc). Since the manufacturing process isn’t directly derived from petroleum, it takes less resources and energy than virgin polyester (4).

What is Petroleum?

Petroleum is one of the most complex materials to trace back to the exact extraction location. This is due to petroleum being the most important fossil fuel and crude oil source (1). Petroleum is extracted from Saudia Arabia, Russia, the U.S., China, Iraq, Iran, and Canada. It’s important to note that climate scientists estimate that extraction for petroleum will peak by 2030 (2).

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Recently, I have begun to think more about the material implications of my own artistic practice, but also creative expression and communication in general. I chose to focus my research on ink -- which is not only a important artistic medium, but essential for communication in many different forms.

Some aspects of this material I am interested in exploring are the traditional processes of ink-making -- what materials were used and how this has changed (especially in regard to natural vs synthetic materials, and the use of petrochemicals), sustainable ink alternatives (ex: algae/plant-based inks), and also thinking about more the more abstract materiality of communication and expression.

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I want to think about how we might “crip” the standard expectations of material engagement, usage, and production. How considering disability across a material’s life span opens new ways of thinking about its properties, more socially just ways to produce, use, and dispose of materials, and a more interdependent approach to human interaction with the built and material world.

Collectively, I also want us to think about this across our ideas and materials: how can we, as a group of researchers, consider disability as a central identity, mode of engagement, and analytic so that we both expand the notions of materiality this project puts forth and arrive at more just ideas of human interaction with the material and built environment?

(Link is to slides with suggestions for considering accessibility + disability justice in work with base materials and transecting ideas)