Peepshow Stereo Test

So I rendered this scene out using two cameras in AfterEffects. It works pretty well on my computer, perhaps just a couple tweaks in cam distance and image size. Also realized that I might need to find a larger stereoscope, because the one I bought doesn't accommodate glasses. I'll be attending the Stereo Workshop on Monday.

My last Pitch, I promise

I went to an event this weekend that reminded me of what I presented the very first week...the puppet projected into a crystal ball. The event was the Hugely Tiny festival, and it featured a number of works that required magnification, peering into boxes, and all kinds of tiny delights. It made me realize that I would like to do something small, yet play with stereo, and I was reminded of the stereoscope my grandparents had, and I wondered if there was a way to use that gadget, along with side by side projected animation to create a look of 3 dimensions.

http://courses.ncssm.edu/GALLERY/collections/toys/html/exhibit01.htm#works

The image below was meant to be seen through a stereoscope, I love this picture, and that it's a moment we wouldn't see unless we were "peeping." If an image like that can be seen through the stereoscope, why couldn't an animation set at the same distance from the viewer also achieve the stereo look?

Adding Another to the Mix

I fear that my interactive public display concepts are too big to deal with in one semester amongst the 4 other classes I'm taking... I've been interested in composite images, really love the concept of the magic lantern, and am a big fan of Harry Smith. While reviewing the images above, I considered the notion of using 3 projectors, each projecting a separate additive color RGB. One projector would carry a video feed pared down to one of the color channels, another would contain moving textures, and a third would contain a cutout gesture, cycle, some kind of movement. Each projector would be aimed at the same wall, with the areas that blend creating other colors in the spectrum. I'd like to do this as a visual music piece. I'm sure it's been done in some capacity, and I realize that I could replicate this in After Effects, but I would like to see it manifested in reality...real light...

Scratching around for potential aha's

With the recent addition of Banksy to the list of people who rock my world, and a revived fascination in interactivity and installation, I was pondering if there's a way to combine the two interests into one good seed concept. Perhaps an interactive installation around the concept of Graffiti art, graffiti culture, and culture jamming. I am interested in Graffiti culture as a whole, but gravitate towards the more clearly political, activist, or outspoken variety of Graffiti that Banksy exemplifies.

Still scrounging together ideas at this point...not sure if it is possible to do in a semester, or how/where it will work. But some initial thoughts involve placing a pair of set-ups in disparate parts of the city, allowing folks in both areas to see what's being produced with side by side projection. Was thinking it would be good if each station had a graffiti artist on hand to educate those who don't understand graffiti as a positive outlet, as well as to demonstrate their skill...

Some other thoughts would involve documenting each piece of work created, perhaps posing a question/aim for the graffiti messages that are put out on public display. Maybe even establishing a website that contains work that is particularly profound or delightful.

Graffiti Creator

Finding this graffiti generator made me understand how little I know about the complexity behind graffiti lettering.

http://www.graffiticreator.net/index.htm




I made this "gorgeous" creation, which made me understand I know even less about color design.

New Idol

Stan VanDerBeek - didn't know of this guy, now I'm glad I do. His pioneering work in computer animation is incredible, and stands up well by today's standards. Perhaps that is do to a resurging interest in retro-graphics, but I think it would hold up regardless.

You can see his stuff on YouTube, or schools can order it from aei.org. I'll put some pressure on the powers that be to get his work in the DADA library. I'd love to see it again. There's a groovy documentary shot in 1972 on his work with an early digital tablet, so worth seeing. You can catch it on youtube as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg_DowyLuT8

I don't know if or how his stuff will influence my future work, but I'm pleased to have someone else to add to my list of idols.

This particular piece reminds me of a really sophisticated animated light bright. Pondering the possibility of producing an interactive piece that could perhaps place a virtual light bright into the public, and engage the populous to spend a few minutes drawing or changing the existing drawing on the "Light Bright" then either putting all the creations into a timeline, or in betweening the images for projection/ web video...