personal work
gesture based instrument controller #2
MYO / Javascript / Python / Audio
Using the MYO Gesture Control Armband, P5, and Python, I am currently developing an EMG / gyroscope based musical instrument. It responds to muscle activity and position. This project is in its very early stages. I am continuing to develop it, with the intention of creating my own hardware that maps the muscle activity of the entire body. I will use this in collaboration with contemporary dancers and traditional martial artists. The performances with this project are currently focused on music, but will expand beyond into other data driven applications.
gesture based instrument controller #1
Arduino / Python / Max/MSP / 9DOF sensors
This is an earlier instrument controller that used the position and motion of the 5 extremities to control a Max/MSP patch. This was done in collaboration with Andrew Telichan, a New York sound artist and musician, and two Detroit dancers, Marianne BRass and Rachel Ann Harbert.
generative live interactive performance software (GLIPS)
Kinect / Projector / Cameras / Java(Processing)
GLIPS is software/hardware performance solution in perpetual ongoing development. It is built-in the Processing environment using Java. It currently incorporates Xbox Kinect, multiple web cameras, a DSLR, a projector, multiple CRTs, and a microphone.
can i tell you tomorrow?
Video / Sound
Created from footage and audio acquired from the field and in the studio.
untitled (clock #3)
arduino / wood / salvaged electronics
This project explores the relationship between the actual passage of time and our experience of it. It expresses the passage of time, as a rational experience, beginning when the clock is turned on.
Once plugged in, a small digital display shows the number 24. It takes the marker 24 hours to travel across the clock face and reach the end. Once it does, 24 is added to the number, and the clocks scale is increased to 48. The marker then travels in reverse to the center of the clock, since the clock scale is now 48 hours. It then takes the marker 24 hours to travel to the end. This pattern continues until the clock’s scale is so large that the marker virtually stops at the end (like a linear pendulum) while the numbers continue to change.
Once plugged in, a small digital display shows the number 24. It takes the marker 24 hours to travel across the clock face and reach the end. Once it does, 24 is added to the number, and the clocks scale is increased to 48. The marker then travels in reverse to the center of the clock, since the clock scale is now 48 hours. It then takes the marker 24 hours to travel to the end. This pattern continues until the clock’s scale is so large that the marker virtually stops at the end (like a linear pendulum) while the numbers continue to change.
patents
Digital Manipulation
Selections from series of digital works that are manipulated patent illustrations from the databases of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Each illustration is studied and a single element is digitally erased so that the utility of the machine is removed. All cataloging information is removed from the scans.
libretto / cero one
video / stop motion / electronics / arduino
This is an ongoing collaboration between myself, Puerto Rican artist Migdalia Luz Barens Vera, and a growing body of materials and individuals.
In its most recent form, the work consists of passive infrared sensors trigger screens to cycle through video loops unique to each monitor. Sensors also trigger audio cues unique to each sensor, as well as controlling the brightness of fabricated LED screens. A waterproof piezo microphone immersed in a bag of water and a regular microphone send live audio to a MaxMSP patch which creates a sonic texture by layering 5 second consecutive loops of the ambient audio. The volume of the audio is controlled by a viewer’s distance from a cactus that is hooked up to an exciter, becoming a 5th speaker, itself.
In its most recent form, the work consists of passive infrared sensors trigger screens to cycle through video loops unique to each monitor. Sensors also trigger audio cues unique to each sensor, as well as controlling the brightness of fabricated LED screens. A waterproof piezo microphone immersed in a bag of water and a regular microphone send live audio to a MaxMSP patch which creates a sonic texture by layering 5 second consecutive loops of the ambient audio. The volume of the audio is controlled by a viewer’s distance from a cactus that is hooked up to an exciter, becoming a 5th speaker, itself.
untitled (entropy)
HTML / JQuery / P5 / Video
Originally created in flash with actionscript, this project was updated into HTML / Javascript.
documentation of a pursuit
HTML / Images
The documentation, verbatim; remembered; and imagined, of my attempt to build The Electronic Conscience.
the complete work
the complete work
sacred text generator
HTML / CSS / PHP
A HTML / PHP script that was originally built to create a real-time Sacred Text translation of "Documentation of a Pursuit" based on current search trends and SEO. The script found the top search result for each word, and placed the first sentence from that page into the sacred document.
This text was created by running a section of The Book of Revelations through the Yahoo! search engine.
This text was created by running a section of The Book of Revelations through the Yahoo! search engine.
noNoNothing (samples)
found objects
The daily practice of negating the function of an object by neutralizing an invisible aspect of the object that is essential to it's function.
lightBulbWithHole
flattenedSpoon
demagnitizedSpeaker
rolledCoin
outletCoverWithSafteyPin
lightBulbWithHole
flattenedSpoon
demagnitizedSpeaker
rolledCoin
outletCoverWithSafteyPin
empty gestures
Video
Loop
untitled (dismantled printer)
printer / scanner
A work for the former Art Effect gallery in Detroit.
the intelligent observer
arduino / plant / various / video
A button is pressed, the box is left alone. There is a 50% chance that the motor will turn on and upright the glass jar, compromising the Terrarium. The box is left closed for the duration of the exhibition. Grow LEDs cycle on and off at 12 hour intervals to provide nourishment to the plant, while it is both alive and dead.
The video title is Collapsing the Superposition
The following is the Arduino code from this work:
The video title is Collapsing the Superposition
The following is the Arduino code from this work:
#include <everything.h>
boolean creation = Certainity();
int life = Everything();
int breath = All();
int potential = Mine();
int commune = Connections();
int work = Questioning();
int play = Wondering();
int choice = TheEnd();
void setup(){
pinMode(life, OUTPUT);
pinMode(breath, OUTPUT);
pinMode(commune, OUTPUT);
pinMode(choice, OUTPUT);
pinMode(potential, INPUT);
}
void loop(){
digitalWrite(breath, HIGH);
if(creation == false){
if(digitalRead(potential) == HIGH){
digitalWrite(life, HIGH);
delay(Life());
if(Death() == true){
digitalWrite(choice, HIGH);
delay(LastMoments());
digitalWrite(choice, LOW);
}
digitalWrite(life, LOW);
creation = true;
}
}
if(creation == true){
digitalWrite(commune, HIGH);
digitalWrite(breath, LOW);
digitalWrite(life, HIGH);
delay(work);
digitalWrite(commune, LOW);
digitalWrite(breath, HIGH);
digitalWrite(life, LOW);
delay(play);
}
}
make brixels
actionscript / html / php / mysql
A brick based tessellation generator that stores creations in a database. These designs were used as inspiration for "brixel" murals throughout Detroit, MI. Built in collaboration with Cedric Tai for Art X Detroit.
makebrixels.com
makebrixels.com
qronicle
aluminium signs / html / php / mysql
QRonicle was an experiential data collection system. In an effort to highlight the value of Detroit's grassroots and creative communities, it was implemented to collect user information about sites that have been affected by Detroit's creative community.
final documentation
project page
background info
final documentation
project page
background info
detroit artist database
html / css / php / mysql
snowday
html / css / javascript / php / mysql
Snowday is a content management system designed for artists. It allows them to keep their websites relevant with minimal effort. Everything is internal and automated including image resizing, image cropping, and spell-check. This is an ongoing project which will eventually be released as an Open Source Customizable Framework.
limited javascript demo
portfolio site built with snowday cms
limited javascript demo
portfolio site built with snowday cms
wu's tai chi academy
html / css / javascript / print
As the designer for the Detroit branch of the International Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy, I am responsible for their website, signage, and print material.
visit wustyledetroit.com
visit wustyledetroit.com
arktos meadery
creative director / principle designer
Arktos Meadery is a young, but award-winning producer of honey wine. As the creative director and primary designer, I am responsible for branding, print, and digital content. I have also turned custom tap handles and designed the interior of, and constructed most of the tasting room in Grand Rapids, in which we transformed a room in an old office building into a faux mead hall.
visit arktosmeadery.com
visit arktosmeadery.com
student work
STUDENT WORK
video
projector image/ object
video / projection / photo
Students were required to create a video that would be projected over at least 2 other pieces of content, images or otherwise. Here are short clips for documentation purposes.
oneminuteshort
video
Students were collectively given a topic. They were required to research the theme and develop a one minute short with sound based upon it. The topics for these videos, in order are: liquids, hysteria, hysteria, and anxiety.
found footage
found footage
As an introduction to video editing, students had to gather public domain footage to create a 3 minute short film.
collaborativepoemvideo
video
Each student was given 2 lines from a poem. Without knowledge of the rest of the poem, students were to create a one minute short based on their interpretation of their lines. Afterwards, the entire class's shorts were strung together into a single collection.
digital
Image Manipulation
photoshop
This project is given near the end of the semester. In it, the students are to leverage all of the techniques that they have learned from previous assignments and projects, in order to create a seamless image from multiple sources. Themes differ from semester to semester.
Digital Painting
photoshop
This project is used to teach the brush system in Photoshop, as well as introduce students to Wacom tablets. Subject matter varies with semesters. Sometimes we will do a class wide thematic photo shoot and use these images as source material
Vector Portrait
illustrator
Focusing on the effective use of the pen tool and the arranging of vector objects, students create a self-portrait.
Vectorized Painting
illustrator
As an introduction to illustrator, students are to recreate a well-known painting, in 3 varying levels of complexity, using only the shape tools.
web
a social network
html / css / digital
This project was for the Interaction Design class at CCS. Students must pick a group of individuals from pre-internet history and conceptualize a social networking site that would have served some of their communication-based needs.
Each student was required to do research into their group and give a presentation to the class, describing the group's agenda, needs, and their own social networking solutions.
view an example mockup site here
Each student was required to do research into their group and give a presentation to the class, describing the group's agenda, needs, and their own social networking solutions.
view an example mockup site here
online portfolio
html / css / jquery / digital
In an intro to web design class, students create a web portfolio to showcase their work.
Click on the images to the left to view the sites in action.
Click on the images to the left to view the sites in action.
thingsi havelearned
html / css / illustrator
Following a discussion of Stefan Sagmeister's TED talk about his project "Things I have learned in my life so far", students are to develop multiple typographic solutions to a saying of their choosing. They then recreate their top designs using HTML/CSS.
click here for an example of a finished assignment
click here for an example of a finished assignment
photo
comparative landscape
photography / photoshop
Students were to create a diptych in which the two images had a synergistic conceptual relationship. One of the images was to be a landscape, while the other was not.
fairytale
photography
After doing research into variations and alternate meanings of a classic fairy tale, students were to create their own adaptation in a series of five images. Each image was to represent one of the 5 elements of Dramatic Structure.
compositional studies
photography / photoshop
Students were to capture 5 photographs around a theme of their choosing. Each photograph must demonstrate a different compositional principle or balance.
photojournal
photography
As a loosening up exercise, students are required to choose a single day and take a photograph each hour that they are awake. Each photograph should represent that hour in some way beyond literal documentation.