Alongside sex and war, money is a constant in human history. But the object of money is fast becoming immaterial. Coins, cash and credit cards are arguably obsolete as digital representations of currency replace these physical objects. Yet trading still relies on trust. So how do we trust what we cannot tangibly experience, what we can no longer touch, see, smell or hear?

Commissioned through Watershed's Craft + Technology Residencies, Heidi Hinder spent supported time at Pervasive Media Studio thinking beyond the financial, to playfully question ideas of value. Throughout January to March 2013, she re-imagined the designed object of money, exploring what could happen if beautifully crafted ‘coins’ could trigger truly invaluable and enriching points of exchange.

See Heidi's project journal below, and watch her project film:

About Heidi: Heidi Hinder is an artist maker. She draws on her degree studies in Literature, and Jewellery & Silversmithing, in order to tell thought-provoking stories through beautifully crafted objects. Heidi was recently selected for a year’s scholarship in the design and creation of contemporary coins and art medals. This unique opportunity included a short residency at the Royal Mint where, despite the company’s 1100 year traditional history, Heidi had the first opportunity to fully incorporate new technologies into her practice. Keen to build on this experience, Heidi has since dedicated her practice to exploring the symbiosis between hand-making techniques and technology innovation.

Heidi Hinder and fellow residents Chloe Meineck and Patrick Laing, were supported by Watershed's Craft + Technology Residencies, a development programme delivered in partnership with i-DAT, Autonomatic and the Crafts Council, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Lasting for three months, the residencies culminated in a showcase event at Watershed on Thu 28 March 2013. Watch a film of the showcase