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Here’s my midsemester presentation:

docs.google.com/presentation/pub?id=1uKWggq5ru0ER-aiX78kM-5Jqgercm9iNE3b7AQp56Gg&start=false&loop=false&delayms=20000

My two best friends always allow me to take center stage, metaphorically speaking. So why not return the kindness by introducing them to each other? Silly personal thoughts like this created a catalyst that led me in the direction of playing with the concept of using the physical control elements on a guitar to connect with the web in a way that it might provide the possibility of musical notes, as well as additional unique sound elements, played through the computer. In other words, “How could I use my guitar as a type of pseudo keyboard to feed sound information into my computer?” This initial questioning required me to figure out how to go about creating an augmented guitar performance instrument that could in fact interact with a web browser. It quickly became obvious that I needed to employ the MAX software because of its ability to rapidly prototype sonic explorations. I had to narrow my focus towards what would best resonate with me to accomplish such a possibility for reinventing the use of the guitar. These thoughts led to my dabbling into a series of initial experiments with the notion of developing a solid sensibility in imagining a feasible application to control the use of the web browser as a musical instrument.

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As a refresher, my initial project plan was to use biosensing (in particular, EEG sensors) on people in some unspecified setting for some unspecified purpose and to sonify that data as a means of being able to immerse strangers in an intimate view into another person’s experience. My project has shifted a lot since discovering that commercially available EEG sensors either 1) don’t interface well with MAX or 2) don’t work on Mac computers without a lot of signal processing.

Moving forward I decided to settle with GSR, which made the most  sense in terms of also indirectly measuring emotional reaction but having more scaffolding than EEG since it seems much easier to deal with and more people have worked with GSR for projects. I spoke with the psych professor I’m working with and he confirmed that GSR was probably my best bet in terms of reliable data.

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Mid Semester Update: Alex Rothera

Just for a public record I wanted to post some writing about this project I made initially because I feel it still is holds true to my direction with this project, and might not have been seen yet. Also below is an image of an artist statement I finished last week. The first artist statement I am actually happy with.

Object & Machine: a Relational Performance

“Object”- Has a natural reaction. Has many natural states.

“Machine”- Performs actions or verbs on the object(s). Has many calculated states.

“Happenings” – Happenings take place anywhere, and are often multi-disciplinary, with nonlinear narrative and the active participation of the audience.

“Coincidence” – correspondence in nature or in time of occurrence.

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EDIT: NOW WITH VIDEO (awyeah)

At some point this blog post became list formatted, so we are just gonna roll with it.

Here is my progress so far:

1.

I experimented. A lot. I think I’ve tried almost all the chemicals in the print shop, plus the basic assortment of rubbing alcohol  normal alcohols, bleaches and other cleaning things. 90% of the things did absolutely nothing to the ink on the page.

2.

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Inside test

This project is based off of current and past research that vibration can be used as an educational device for the deaf. I have used resources that have focused on wearable computer platforms, but have also looked at platforms that are Non-wearable, and serve more as an Educational object. By incorporating other senses like movement via projections, and light I hope to make something that is useable to children and adults.

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HELLO AGAIN.

So! This is the second milestone of my still unnamed project. Maybe I should name it! I’ll consider that while writing.

So!!! Last time I was like THE HELL DO I DO WITH THESE SENSORS AND CAMERAS, and the answer was discovered to be STUFF. So now I did some stuff I guess.

First, Ali helped me set up a camera helmet combo, which is very fun. I am like an Angler Fish. Pictureeeeeee:

It is pretty exciting! I also used some clothesline I had lying around to attach it to my face better. This has the wonderful side effect of choking the wearer. Besides that it’s pretty comfortable, though.

What else happened? I played with a Raspberry Pi some. I don’t have any pictures of that, because I haven’t really gotten anywhere yet. But yeah, I might end up porting things to PD and putting it on that? That would be splendid. I guess that is happening next a little bit.

I made a little video to show what it looks like in Max right now. Uh.

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