April 23, 2010
I read a delightful book back in February, I finally found a moment to write something brief about it: Art Without Compromise* (in my blog)
April 6, 2010
I wrote about my recent visit to MoMA to see "Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present" in my blog today -- David.
March 31, 2010
I will miss hearing all your stories tonight. Have fun + a good class! g
Agenda:
— workshop on storytelling
— story 1st: the project + logistics ("to team or not to team") + class schedule from now on...
I hope you have read all recent posts of your classmates. Good stuff... and great intro to our discussion this week. However, I cannot understand why the wiki pages of some students are dormant for weeks or months (world record goes to Yaoming for no wiki page and—corrected by j—Tania who has not posted a single word thus far).
yaoming does have a page...it's just in 'pages' and not in the sidebar.
a.e—corrected by j
March 24, 2010
After successful mid-semester reviews... welcome back to D4M+S class projects.
— Frank Wilson will visit our class for an hour (please make sure that you attended his lecture the day before, that is on Tuesday at 6PM in Pozen). What a great chance to have a semi-private seminar with this person. Thanks Gunta.
— Just a friendly reminder that your "mini essays" are due on Wednesday = between 12 and 12 hundred words on narrative in the context of the first class project (please post to WIKI).
—And yes, we will introduce the second project.
March 14, 2010
Thanks to all of you for such a marvelous evening. From one batch of pizza dough, 1 very large potato and some smaller ones, 1 bunch of fresh beets with greens, 1 can of chick peas, 1 can of tomatoes, a box of whole wheat cous-cous, some dumplings with shrimp (plus assorted herbs and spices), you put together a grand meal with everyone pitching in, some giving direction, others taking direction and then reverse order. It was a pleasure for me to watch all of you in action-- supporting each other, working together, following each others' lead. When one takes a brake, the others fall in. It is wonderful to have such a group cohesion. What a great group! Good fortune to all of you on your reviews! See you on Tuesday . . .
March 10, 2010
Breeeek, ha BLUM ho! BREEEEAK a ta rasasa ai rasasai, Jim dai rudi rallal la. . . love those soundScores . . . Hi! I hope everyone is enjoying break and the weather. Just a reminder invitation to the gustatory experience at Gunta's house: 14 Wheelock Road, Wayland, MA, 01778. [(h) 508.358.4790 this Saturday, March 13th at 4:30. Please bring one ingredient, which when everyone arrives, we will combine, improvise (and hope!) to make a meal. I'll provide the utensils, spices and a dessert. ALSO: please bring a story that you can tell (a memory from your past; a story you've heard recently; a fairy tale you enjoyed when young, etc.). Think about what made it enjoyable or otherwise memorable. I am looking forward to seeing all of you--and getting together--outside of the classroom.
March 5, 2010
Ursonography by Golan Levin and Jaap Blonk in 2005
although i much prefer the original Kurt Schwitters recordings of his famous concrete sound poem Ursonate, here is the version we discussed in class that shows the rather complicated visuotextual interpretation + accompaniment that Golan Levin arranged for Jaap Blonk's reading + performance of the soundScore ... he stays pretty true to the recording of Schwitters that i have ... i do miss the static pops i have grown accustomed to + the rather tinny timbre + somewhat aggressive fluctuations ( i have a CD recording that is obviously taken from an old phonograph or othersuch official recording method of yesteryear ) ... the text to me nicely captures Blonk's vibrato + accentuated delivery when appropriate ... the rather nonsensical angles of the text, doubling, blurring are all nice touches, but a bit more reminisccent to me of Futurist type treatment than straight up MerzCollage works ... there is something rather fantastical about seeing the Ursonate in its original score format ... the repetition of words ... the lack of real musical notation ... we see many umlauts + minimal punctuation ... but most of the original piece became infamous due to the Schwitters recording ... i think actually seeing Schwitters happy face, the visual documenation of his varying embouchure provides a singular + solid presence to the delivery that needs no reinforcement ... the score could stand on its own, although it might appear to be foreign language nonsense ... + the vocal performance lives on in infamy
March 4, 2010
I heard an interesting story on WBUR this morning on the way into school, Tech Turns Hospitals into Concert Halls, Diseases into Songs about researchers who are working to improve the sound interface in operating rooms, turning the cacophony of "machines that go ping" into music that could save lives. It describes the work of Gil Alterovitz, his solution is to turn all those beeps and alarms into musical instruments, for example having the heart rate monitor play as violins, the blood pressure monitor play as violas, etc. So when the patient is doing well the music is pleasing, but when something goes wrong, the discord will immediately call attention to the right machine. Really nice work in using sound in the interface in a complex interaction scenario. -- David.
Interestingly enough ... life is becoming more + more like a videogame, or at least like a series of OCD-like behaviors to keep up with the lifeStreamings of our friends, colleagues, enemies + others of more or less import. We cannot help but roll + flick a thumb + finger across minimultitouch devices to get our latest email, texts or tweets. Industry + manufacturing of yesteryear moves toward insect gesture as we grow more deeply embedded into our vast age of information. 
The geolocation of my heartbeeps when run through the proper mididevices could play rhythmic afterechoes that greatly effect the mood of people at the mall, on elevators + planes, standing in line at the bank. A new ringtone perhaps? A new addition to the Schwittr database of merztone poetics. If we could only harvest the ditditdata sworphing through the minds of chipmunks over the last few days of nearsnowy confusion here in the NorthEast of these United States ... how could we influence the economy behind healthcare reform, earthquakes + The Kardashians?
In this instance ... in this symphony of the emergency ward ... would John Cage have opted for the cardiac arrest?
~ ls
week 7, March 3, 2010
Class activities:
— Final presentation of group projects for "desire > interrupt > collide." Last chance for feedback.
— Discussion on concepts of "how to close the loop" of the story: Your thoughts on how your group "translation module" be implemented in the context of other "translation modules" (... sound>text — text>image — image>sound — ... ad infinitum).
Gustatory Experience Proposal
You are all invited to a 'gustatory experience' at Gunta's house. It will be an improvisational afternoon/evening beginning with your participation in the making of dinner. I am not a chef and am counting on everyone's participation. I ask that each of you bring one ingredient to add to a collective. As a group we determine what we make and how. If you are interested in bringing something carnivorous for those of us who are omnivores, and wish to marinate it in advance, feel free to do so. It was suggested that this event happen either before or after Spring break week. Possible day/time offerings: 1] Friday, March 5 from 4-9ish pm; 2] Saturday, March 6 from 4-9ish; 3]Friday, March 12 from 4-9ish; 4] Saturday March 13 from 4-9ish pm. I will supply salt, pepper, olive oil, pots, pans, oven, etc. (If you're planning anything specific that requires very specific equipment-- please ask me if we have it. You may need to bring it along . . .) What group collective forms when a task is requested that invites participation from all? How well do we know each other? How are we connected? Are words the only form of communication? Or can we rely on a 'collective unconscious' to carry some of the burden? Any comments or thoughts are welcome!
Who can come on....
3.5.10: Alison (my preferred date!), Chris, Joseph, andrew, Tania
3.6.10: Alison, Joseph, andrew, Tania
3.12.10:Joseph, lou, andrew, yaoming, Tania
3.13.10: Alison, Alex, Joseph, lou, andrew, yaoming, Tania, David (maybe, giving a talk at the Pro Video Show and may not get out of there in time)
February 25, 2010
National Geographic Article: Making Music Boost's Brain's Language Skills. This article explores research in using music: As a way to develop neural connections that would otherwise not exist or; develop better overall perception through playing music. I found this article pertinent particularly to the groups who presented sound-based projects last night.
February 23, 2010
If anyone is still puzzled by the oddness of the mappings we're doing in the 'desire > interrupt > collide' project, perhaps the words of Richard Serra might be helpful: "When you want to understand something, you have to take it apart or apply another kind of language to it," hmmm, that's mapping. -- David.
I attended the "Who's Afraid of New Media?" conference at the MFA on Sunday (nteresting perspectives on new media art) and during the lunch break I had a chance to see the "Seeing Sounds" exhibition, it was delightful. It was a very interesting day between those two things. Thanks to Colin for encouraging us to go see the "Seeing Songs," otherwise I might have missed it! Happy to talk about the exhibit or conference if anyone is interested, perhaps I'll find time to blog about it, but no promises on that one. -- David.
February 18, 2010
Exhibition at the MFA: Seeing Songs. Free for Students. Ends Sunday Feb 21st. An exhibition on mapping sound to vision. Works from Cage, Kandinsky and a special "video wall" dedicated to Madonna (like a prayer, like a virgin). A must see for Design for Motion and Sound!
February 17, 2010
This is the book Jan mentioned in class is Pause & effect: the art of interactive narrative by Mark Stephen Meadows (New Riders, 2003). Looks like it makes a nice companion to Janet Murray's Hamlet on the Holodeck. The book is out of print, but there are plenty of used copies available on Amazon.com and Abe Books.
February 15, 2010
drawings by Marco Fusinato
Is there a connection between sound, vibrations and physical reality?
- jd
February 10, 2010
Upcoming event: Drawing Marathon 5 @ Mobius
Anyone interested in the Rudnik 'Kolaz' sound mapping we did a few weeks back might be equally excited about an upcoming event at Mobius ... that's right, its Drawing Marathon 5
Here are some details from the site:
Draw like a kid again! Have fun! Draw all you like for as long as you want!
Come on down to Mobius and draw from live performance art ... Mobius sets up the day from noon to 8pm, just come on down with paper + supplies + get to it ... there is a $10 donation to the organization, but I went over the summer and I highly recommend it
More details are up here ... hope to see you there ~lS
February 10, 2010 — "snow emergency" update
(This note is posted in "weekly syllabus" as well).
I hope you are enjoying a day off, "sitting around the fireplace and sipping hot cocoa" (Alison's description). So far we got lucky: It's 3PM, no snow on the ground, no rain... no classes. Although, we cannot meet as a group tonight, let's try to make some progress via WIKI...
Please, upload the deliverables as expected per syllabus. Yes, faculty noticed that some of the students already did that, thank you. Others, please upload your older projects asap:
— dynamic media footage from "sound mapping" ("Rudnik" movies)
— sketches from "proximity lab reinterpreted"
Moreover, please, upload the current group project, specifically the group presentation of "desire > interrupt > collide" (input and output assigned to your group). Again, yes we noticed that on Alison's page there is the ppt already posted.
Please do it soon, but not later than 9:30PM tonight (the end of class time...).
Faculty will review the presentations and will advise further steps.
February 8, 2010
Update: I mentioned Stephen Vitiello's upcoming exhibition back on February 3rd upcoming sound/light exhibition, turns out he's giving an Artist talk here at MassArt on Tuesday February 23, 7pm in North 181 (sponsored by SIM and Studio Foundation. Check it out. Most people have class, but if you don't . . .
There is something Interesting and challenging in this concept.
Can You Tell Your Life Story In Exactly Six Words?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123289019
T.~
February 4, 2010
Just a quick note: that delicious quote that Evan referenced about the role of the designers derives from Florian Brody's 'The Medium is the Memory' which you can download in PDF format from this little page here. You gotta check it out! :: lou ::
February 3, 2010
This upcoming show looks interesting and relevant: Something Like Fireworks: A New Installation by Stephen Vitiello at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center, February 24 – June 6, 2010, Wellesley College -- David.
Story Translation Diagram – Please accept this diagram for project 1 along with my sincere apologies for the atrocious whiteboard scribbles I made a few weeks ago. ~ Evan
translation_modules_diagram.pdf
February 1, 2010
Processing Workshop – Continued (Colin)
Friday Feb 5 @ 3:30 PM
We will continue Sunday's workshop to include: Loading text data from a text file, Converting your inputs >> into outputs by hacking existing code and sharing variables and other requests.
January 30, 2010
Question, What was the name of the composer and of the piece we used in the visualizing music assignment? -- David.
Answer, the composer = Rudnik, the piece = Kolaz ( which translates to 'collage' ) ~lS // Aha! Eugeniusz Rudnik, the composer who originated the Polish school of electronic music, there are some downloads available online and supposedly a four disk album that I could not easily find a link to online (anyone found a link?). -- David.
System Logic Workshop (Evan)
Sunday Jan 31 @ 4:30 PM
Purpose is to help you with the design of system logic for your project. This is not a programming exercise. It involves analyzing the content, translation and experiential possibilities with focus on articulation of system logic. There are many ways to express system logic including relatively simple diagrams and descriptive approaches.
Processing Workshop (Colin)
Sunday Jan 31 @ 6:15 PM
Intro to basics of Processing including differences between Flash and Processing. Goal is to provide a jumping off point to help with the specifics of your project.
January 29, 2010
Please read the Syllabus (week 3).
I hope this will clarify your multiple questions about the current assignment, and general question on "system logic."
Since there was not enough time last Wednesday to do a "system logic"-specific assignment (although mapping sound task is very connected to it), Evan and Colin are willing to meet with the group BEFORE next Wednesday to do "logic workshop" both in terms of concepts and code (processing).
Here are possible dates suggested by Evan and Colin:
Saturday, Colin's workshop 7PM; Evan's workshop 8PM.
Sunday, Evan's workshop anytime after 4:30PM; Colin's workshop after
Monday, Evan's workshop anytime after 4:30PM; Colin's anytime before Evan's workshop.
Side note (no pun intentended): Please be careful when editing the sidebar, twice I've come to the site and the Weekly Syllabus link points to someone's page, not the Syllabus. I just fixed it again -- David.
Adding to what Andrew wrote about Temple Grandin.
I found this in youtube. Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46ycu3JFRrA
She is using Autism as a tool more than a disability.
T.~
A bit redundant for some (as I've just posted this for seminar class too) but...on the way to school today I heard this fantastic interview with Temple Grandin on NPR. Listen to at least the first five minutes on her description of how the autistic mind visualizes information.
a.e.
January 25, 2010
"... understanding means mapping your stories to mine. ... We can only understand things that relate to our experiences."
Quote from a book I am reading. (more)
j
January 24, 2010
This WIKI is the place for students and faculty to share information, links and documents relevant to "Design for Motion and Sound" class (D4M+S). This WIKI is "visible" to general public but only students and faculty have privilege to write and edit. Please share the URL but do not share WIKI access with others outside class.
Observe the following etiquette:
— please visit here frequently and contribute extensively.
— please use FrontPage to write/edit/share your thoughts and relevant resources with all class participants.
— please create your own "notebook" page at the SideBar
— except your own, please do NOT edit SideBar pages of other authors—add comments instead
— please sign all your edits with identifiable signature—"j" is for Jan Kubasiewicz
j
January 20, 2010
Thank you all for fantastic first session of D4M+S class.
j
Comments (1)
lou suSi said
at 1:48 am on Feb 18, 2010
Wow ... I wish there was a way to more immediately comment on the posts here on the wiki homepage, but the link that Jessica posted to the Marco Fusinato 'Mass Black Implosion' drawings are phenomenal ... thanks SO much for posting these. Gonna bookmark 'em up right now ;]
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