Until recently, for artists to be able to make computer-coordinated artworks which interacted with the real world required considerable technical expertise, and usually the assistance of a technician. Developments in input/output (I/O) technology, however, combined with new programs, have now made it much easier than ever before for artists to structure and build interactive systems for their artworks, using readily available parts in conjunction with available multimedia software.
This workshop will provide an intensive introduction to interactive techniques, using
a small but powerful computer I/O board developed at the School
of Art and Design of the University of Michigan. Software control is accomplished in Processing, a popular and powerful multimedia programming environment, available for free download. Processing runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Workshop participants will be able to purchase one
of the boards from the manufacturer.
During the workshop, participants will learn:
-- electronic and aesthetic fundamentals of interactivity;
-- rudiments of programming in Processing for interactivity with the physical world;
-- basic knowledge of an array of sensors and switches for gathering information from the environment of the artwork;
-- common actuators for effecting actions in the environment of the artwork.
Number of participants: up to 20
Workshop requires computers with Processing loaded on the and a serial port available. Macintosh is preferred, but Windows will also work.
Michael Rodemer formerly taught interactive techniques at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and now teaches and does research at the School of Art and Design of the University of Michigan. His work in interactive installation art has been shown in Europe and the USA.