Ben Fry

Ben Fry gave a speech at Auraria Campus last Thursday. It was a brief but interesting overview of Processing and how it can be used for data visualization. He showed examples of his work, particularly the genome project, as well as works by other users. One student's piece incorporated a thoughtful concept with an amusing but contentious subject matter. He obtained responses from distinguished scientists about pet ownership, i.e., dogs vs. cats. The overall answers favored dogs but there were some funny observations thrown in the mix.
I know the picture isn't great, but I was trying not to use the flash and I didn't have a tripod on hand. It is easy to see Ben is passionate about what he does, most my shots were even more blurry since he moves his hands when he speaks.
Check out his projects page.

web ambivalence

I've been struggling with my portfolio website for days now. It is finally up, but it is lacking much content. I tried using Flash templates, blog templates, and Flex to build it but could never get all the pieces to work together. So I resorted to basic html and css styling. I will keep working on it to make it worthy as a portfolio site.
Here is the link: Random Patterned

comic sans, good or evil?

Today some levity is required. An amusing video and a funny website about the pros and cons of the dreaded typeface.

design philosophy

I am still working on how to word it more concisely, but here is an in process version:
It is not disputed artists derive from and build on past ideas. Essentially, as an artist, I feel obligated to use technology in a manner which pays homage to the past and increases appreciation for a rich history of handmade art. Individually, a digital or physical material art medium has worth and always will. But attempting to innovate in combinations of media potentially reveals infinite new ways of creating and makes all art more stimulating and cherishable.

I was researching the meaning of the words doctrine, philosophy, method, etc. Check out what the word doctrine looks like on VisuWords. Its form is circular. Some of the branches are "ism" words. Girondism? I had to look that up also, since my knowledge of the French Revolution is lacking. Funny, there is no escaping politics in relationship to art or anything else, even if you try or desire to escape it.

field trip reflection

On Thursday our class visited Anabliss graphic design firm and Hadley Hooper's exhibition and work space at Ironton Studios. At one I saw ordered linear grids and at another I saw organic lines which were both ordered yet at the same time natural. At both places these simple forms are used for communication; direct and evocative, purposeful and/or expressive. I observed splendidly used colors; muted, saturated, monotoned - all kinds. I witnessed passion and humility from the two principals. I discerned honed skills of analytical and intuitive thought.
I recognized my envy of metal, garden sculpture and a spacious studio filled with books, tools and a plethora of artmaking materials.

artist statement for web site

One of the web site project requirements is an artist statement or design philosophy. This will require some serious reflection and multiple drafts. My intuition tells me it is an ever evolving and changing doctrine.

In the meantime, enjoy these wise words from Bruce Mau's Incomplete Manifesto for Growth.

project 4 - personal portfolio web site

Another great opportunity and design challenge to create something useful and necessary. Lots of decisions to make regarding a domain name, complexity, etc. More research is required. Meanwhile, here is one link I found with some guidelines for web portfolios