Workshops

Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually.

Although the four workshops may seem quite distinct at first glance, they are all united by the overarching theme of utilizing coding to create tangible, physical experiences. My final products took many different forms, ranging from a booklet to a projection video, papercraft, and even a machine.

Throughout the entire process, I found myself particularly drawn to the collaborative problem-solving aspect of working with my team members. By intentionally seeking out new colleagues and exploring different avenues in each workshop, I was able to delve into a variety of diverse fields and achieve a wide range of results. Ultimately, seeing the concrete, tangible fruits of my labor was incredibly rewarding and motivated me to continue expanding my skills and knowledge.

Jump to workshop ONE, TWO, THREE or FOUR.

Workshop one

For the third workshop with Andreas, we explored creative coding and generative design to create dynamic or interactive generative artwork. With the theme “Encounters with Nature”, we were given 4 brief options to choose one to proceed with up to our preference.

I worked as a team with Valerie, Yinuo, and Issey. From witnessing the examples of outcomes that we saw during the session, and as we all were interested in printing and making a publication, we decided to go for brief two, generator, using p5.js and binding with a unique type of paper and print.

At first, we tried generating a bunch of images connected to elements of nature such as wind, dust, water, etc., around 8 images for each person, by making changes to codes provided from the class sheet. However, once we attempted to merge them into one, we discovered that there was no flow and everything was clashing. The images were created in vastly different styles, sourced from various codes and concepts. We had to make the difficult decision to begin the project anew. We returned to the ideation phase and prioritized narrowing it into a clear and concise concept for the publication, sticking to one generator.

We came up with a more profound theme of consciousness. We tried to visualize the art of neural networks of the human mind. It takes an introspective view of encounters with nature to examine our inner mindscape. For the final outcome, we published a booklet of generated images on tracing paper for deeper deliberation of meaning and documented the process and results in a website using HTML and CSS.

Workshop two

The second workshop, Making with Dhiya, or Code to Thing, is an exploration into the synthesis of digital code and physical objects, bridging the gap between virtual and tangible realms. With a general theme of cosmic dust, we created a 3d paper polygon, from a code that scans all the points and connects them.

I made two different objects to emphasize the meaning that cosmic dust can be turned into anything by fusing, also mirroring the moments of insignificance that shape our existence. Just as cosmic dust particles form the building blocks of stars and planets, shaping the celestial landscape, my creation symbolizes the hidden architects of the universe. The process of infusing my own personality and ideas into this work was enjoyable as well.

First, I made two templates of one narrow, and one wide polygons using p5.js and blender. As a first-time user, I struggled initially with Blender but as I got to know it I realized that it is a very useful tool that I want to learn more about. The next step of constructing the model was particularly engaging, as I was meticulous in my planning of every detail, from the cutting and folding to the order of attachment, to create a flawless final product. By finalizing this workshop, I took photos of individual objects and experimented with different positioning and angles by combining the objects together.

Workshop three

The third workshop with Jo familiarized me with the fundamental applications of projection mapping. Through this interactive workshop, I gained knowledge on projecting and mapping images onto surfaces that aren't rectangular, employing coded, static, and moving images.

I worked in a group of three with Carissa and Zoe. Initially, our group had a hard time coming up with one idea because each of us had a firm idea of what we wanted to do. However, by showing each other references talking about what we could do, and consulting with Jo, we were able to gather the things we all wanted to do the most and the most feasible ideas and combine them into one. As it is video art, we decided to use TV visually, inspired by artist Nam June Paik, the father of video art.

During the last process, we faced some challenges with the fabric constantly sinking, because of its weight. We could solve this problem neatly by supporting the fabric by attaching it to the wall. I was also confused about the process of changing and inserting the video into codes at first. After helping each other and trying, our group was finally able to produce a satisfying result. It even felt like a fun game shooting the beam by matching the images in the box and fabric one by one.

Our final video features a light moving back and forth between a forest and a TV displaying a city within it. To create an enigmatic visual, we used fabric instead of paper, and I believe this choice made our work stand out from the rest.

Workshop four

Last Workshop, Physical Computing is the practice of integrating computers with the physical world. This workshop allowed us to experiment with electronic input and output mechanisms. Using provided materials and electronic components, we designed a basic physical interaction that showcases how a physical input can activate a digital output, and vice versa.

I worked in a group of two with Jeremy at this workshop. In the first session, we were provided with a compact electronics prototyping kit that consisted of an Arduino board and a Grove Shield. We utilized this kit to experiment with basic inputs and outputs such as buttons, knobs, and LED lights. Though this was unfamiliar territory, it was fun to explore how codes can be used to create tangible experiences.

My group came up with the idea of creating a machine that creates patterns using sand and a vibrator, Pattern Automater. If the user controls the vibration using the mouse in p5.js, the vibrator moves the sand in the box automatically, to form various unexpected patterns.

During the process, we faced some challenges such as initial complex ideas, leaks of sand, and unstable vibration. However, the problem-solving process and some accidents we went through made our outcome stand out. This workshop with Syaz also allowed me to learn how accidents can create more dramatic results while interacting physically with codes.