Jambo85’s Weblog

The main idea for m final peice, in the ‘Beyond the Screen’ module is a plant orchestra. My aim is to grow a variety of touch sensitive plant called Mimosa Pudica, and using programming, translate their movements as they recoil into sound. the more the plant is disturbed, the more abrasive the noise will be.

The plant can be seen in action here.

If for some reason, I am unable to grow the plants in this climate, or the crop fails for whatever reason, I intend to create my own touch sensitive plant, which will conduct a small amount of electricity, which will respond to human contact by the current being disrupted. With this type of project it will be possible to programme different instruments, electronic noises and frequencies to different groups of plants, so the user can essentially make music from interacting with nature.

Other implications I have considered are the adverse effects the electricity may have on the plant. I have considered that the current may damage or even kill the plant which will highlight the ecological effect we as humans have on nature, usig resources for our own pleasure and gratification.

The peice will be supported in some way by my research into the ethical and philosophical implications of Bio Art.

As promised, here is the first of the three mini animations i worked on over easter. I am still awaiting soundtracks to accompany the other two. They wont be long though…

I intend to use some slow shutter speed, stop fram animation to contribute to a music video I will be making over summer. After discovering Morpheus software today, I intend to play round in order to discover the possibilities available to help me with this style of animation (something which I am excited about).

The website will also be updated soon so keep checking back with the blog for more information.

Since reading the programme outline for the module of ‘Cultures of Multimedia Authoring & Web Design’ and being concerned about my lack of technical skills as far as web development goes, i have decided to run away to London.

Don’t worry though, my getaway is to pursue knowledge in the form of a favor from a good friend who is more au fait with web development, CSS, HTML, Javascript and all that other complicated stuff. His website is www.designsex.co.uk. We often get together with plenty of coffee and chat about projects and ideas. Its good to have a friend like that. 

I also have another friend and colleague who might be able to throw a few skills my way, as he’s a whizz kid in all things coded. His blog site is available at www.mrwelsh.co.uk

The outcome for this module will be a body of work which is displayed online. I am keen to show my early dabbling with animation, and using the skills learnt on this first module, add a dimension of interactivity to some of my work. I’m going to aim big, with my ideas and try to overcome as many hurdles as possible that i will no doubt be faced with along the way.