What started as a sound generating glove mechanism turned into a gestural puppet controller.

Video (that will be replaced with better video shortly):

Idea genesis:

This project began with my fascination with gestural technology. Artists like Laetitia Sonami have been making waves in the world of unlikely sound generation. Sonami’s project “Lady’s Glove” features a sound generating glove that is controlled by finger movement. The result is a cohesive performance in which Sonami combines simple finger flexion with an array of sound effects.

My objective was to do something similar, but instead of embedding the glove with an arsenal of noise, I was more interested in creating a simple sound gradient so that the angle of flexion for each finger was calculated.

How did that turn out?

Not exactly what I described.

Technologies used.

1. Photon – I started with a photon connected to an electret microphone, but when we moved onto assignment part two, I realized I wanted to do more in the land or MaxMSP to create visualizations, and, unfortunately, Photon and MaxMSP are not compatible.
2. Vibration motors were connected to each finger so when they moved, the motor would buzz against the metal structure I welded for the glove
3. Arduino – after getting rid of the photon I switched to an Arduino that then interfaced with MaxMSP via Maxuino, but then the electret microphones began to act adversely with the vibration motor. Whether or not the motor was buzzing against the metal, it was impossible to get a clear signal
4. Bend sensors – in the end, I resorted to bend sensors that were put in place of the vibrating motors. Now, when a finger moves, the bend sensor sends a signal to MaxMSP

Photos:

coming soon!!!

Gist Link to Max Patch:

https://gist.github.com/LValley/e4b7d09429ce168d6ad0.js

Inspiration Links:

Lady’s Glove

http://sonami.net/ladys-glove/

(and very loosely) Stelarc’s third hand:

http://stelarc.org/?catID=20265

After thoughts:

While this project was somewhat of a wild ride, I am glad that I ended up with a functioning project that made sense.

In the future; definitely, more finite planning.

Chosen:

Unlike the other two drawing machines, I chose this piece due to it’s deeper contextual implications. While other drawing bots (actually, artists in general), create impermanent work, this project challenges the notion of longevity and preservation that artists often face when creating a work. The drawings created by this initiative have the potential to survive for millennia—which also begs the question: What image is worth preserving that will outlast, possibly, humanity?

Critiqued:

Although I love how the Moon Arts team is challenging public perception of art by, literally, going where no artist has gone before, I dislike how so many images were chosen as part of this series. In Spring 2015, an open call was put out for 10,000 images, and over 9000 artists responded. With an open call like this, it’s natural to assume that many were inspired by fleeting ideas and current trends. In fact, in ten years, I wonder how many of the drawings will hold the significance they do today.

Related:

This project was spawned from the collaborate efforts of the Moon Arts Project and NASA to orchestrate a cultural mission to space. Another project to be fulfilled in the year 2016 is the launching of a physical sculpture “The Moon Ark,” where it will exist in space for, potentially,  billions of years.

http://moonarts.org/

Using an actuator based reel system, artist Harvey Moon is able to draw complex images with this machine.

Chosen:

Like the first piece I chose, I loved how this drawing machine uses simple motion to create dynamic results. The pen is controlled by two motors, but through careful calculation, the paper becomes a grid that is then used to precisely place each pen stroke.

Critiqued:

Like all drawing machines, the performance is initially captivating to the viewer, challenging them to speculate what the image is before it is completed. Something I dislike, however, is the simplicity of the performance. The motion very directly correlates to what is being drawn. Unlike the sand drawing piece where the viewer is left to wonder how the pendulum motion is able to create a pattern, the viewer very plainly sees what is happening as it occurs.

Also, since the final drawing can be completely removed from the method used to create, I can’t help but wonder if the work is a performance or simply a stylized printer.

Related:

The cable mechanism in this piece is similar to the “Four Cable Drawing Machine.” In which artist, David Bynoe is able to move an object across a bed of sand to create simple patterns.

http://dbynoe.blogspot.ca/2013/12/four-cable-drawing-machine.html

Project Video:

The Drawing Machine: Harvey Moon from Make: on Vimeo.

I recently went to a show opening at the Miller Gallery by the name of “Maximum Minimum In Unum.” One of the pieces displayed was “Entropic Order” by Laleh Mehran.

http://lalehmehran.com/Entropic-Order

Explained:

In this work, a pendulum-like device is used to draw patterns into a bed of sand.

Chosen:

I thought this was a unique take on a drawing bot. Instead of having a miniature car-like mechanism that is programmed to create patterns, this piece facilitates an elegant performance in which the patterns serve as both a product and a record of motion.

Critiqued:

While I love the simplicity of the motion, I am still left to wonder what there is to gain from watching a pendulum fill a large grid with the same pattern. While the physicality of the machine is captivating, as the performance continues, nothing unexpected is revealed.

Related:

The patterns found in this piece are derived from the designs used in “Sacred Geometry.” These repeating patterns have been used in the construction of churches, mosques, temples and other places of worship. Such patterns are also not rare in the world of art. Artist and programmer Sakari Lehtonen developed a web app that allows users to generate their own patterns based on the principles of sacred geometry (http://geokone.net/).

Entropic Order from Laleh Mehran on Vimeo.