I'm so excited to be here as a challenger! This is my first challenge, and the competition looks quite stiff.
I've already created a github repo to host my code.
To start things off, here is my application to be a challenger.
challenge, I will be combining a raspberry pi with various input devices (such as motion sensors, distance sensors, microphones, etc) to create a dynamic ever changing light show. The outputs of the Raspberry Pi will be RGB LEDs, fiber optics, electroluminescent panels, etc. These will be filtered through a series of custom kiln-formed fused glass pieces which will be controlled by a series of servos. It will be a colorful display that changes depending on the people and what they are doing in the room.
Why is this art?
In order for a collection of colors and shapes to be considered “art”, it must not be random, there are rules in place to govern what the end result looks like. Of course, rules are made to be broken, but I firmly believe that in order to break the rules, you must first learn the rules. In this case, the rules are the elements of art and composition:
Elements:
Shape
Color
Value
Texture
Form
Space
Composition:
Balance
Contrast
Emphasis
Movement
Pattern and rhythm
Unity and Variety
Even so called modern art, or avant-garde art, still has to follow these compositional rules. As such, the most important aspect to the composition will be structure - not just random. Certainly, there are random elements, but they will be displayed in controlled ways. For example, a person walking by the installation will trigger certain events that will trigger light and color changes, but will be contained within certain parameters.
Hardware Design
Glass Design
The movable glass panels will be made by me, in my home studio where I have two kilns. The panels will be controlled by the servos and will look something like this:
Software Design
The software will take all of the inputs, run through the algorithms to constrain the parameters, to make sure that the art is consistent, surprising, and beautiful. The software will be written in python. This will be the biggest part of the project.
Qualifications:
I believe that success in this project involves skills in technical areas as well as skills as an artist.
Technical experience:
I have been using UNIX and Linux in a professional capacity as a systems engineer for 30+ years. I have made and designed embedded systems, and been using raspberry pi systems for about 2 years.
Artistic experience:
In addition to painting watercolor for many years, I have been working with kiln-formed fused glass for about 4 years.
Previous work:
I have already made a lamp using 4 custom made glass panels, a raspberry Pi zero, RGB addressable LEDs, and a rudimentary web interface (written in python) where the color for the lamp can be chosen. Here are three pictures from that project:
Web interface screen snapshot for choosing color for previous lamp project:
Circuit for previous lamp project:
Result for previous lamp project:
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