Living Materials: Intro to SCOBY as a Biotextile

Learn how to implement SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) as a biomaterial/biotextile into your artwork. SCOBY is an organic and sustainable material that is easy to make at home and is a great intro to the world of biopolymers. SCOBY is the byproduct of kombucha, which for the past few decades has had a booming home-brewing community. SCOBY is a completely safe, fabric-like material that forms on the surface of the kombucha to keep air out of the fermenting tea.

It has a leather-like texture and the ability to bond seamlessly to itself. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to coming up with ideas and projects involving this material, thanks to its unique properties that petroleum-based polymers can’t replicate.

In this workshop we’ll show you how to grow it at home, share its fascinating science, and play with techniques like draping, dyeing, weaving, and laminating. SCOBY is safe, easy to make, and full of artistic potential, perfect for beginners curious about biomaterials.

Everyone will be provided with samples of SCOBY to work with in class and an informational packet on how to grow your own at home.

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend and let us know ASAP (info@genspace.org). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise.

M eet the Instructor

Emma Rice (She/they) is a multidisciplinary bio artist and sculptor. Before graduating with a BFA in 2025, she spent 3 years working at the School of Visual Arts Bio Art Lab as a lab assistant and maintained her own bio art practice where she spent her time studying biomaterials and slime molds. Whether working alongside organisms or depicting them in sculptures, Emma uses the non-human in her artistic practice as a surrogate for mankind and the human condition.

Instagram: @wizardmutt

Website: RipleyRiceart.com