Media Art Spring 2015

Preface and Introduction

Cymatics is the study of visible sound and vibration, typically on the surface of a plate, diaphragm or membrane.Direct ocular viewing of vibrations involves exciting inorganic matter such as particulate matter, pastes (both magnetic and non magnetic) and liquids under the influence of sound, although recent research has extended the range of media to include organic matter and the range of viewing has been extended to include the light microscope.The generic term for this field of science is the study of 'modal phenomena,’ named 'Cymatics' by Hans Jenny, a Swiss medical doctor and a pioneer in this field. The word 'Cymatics' derives from the Greek 'kuma' meaning 'billow' or 'wave,' to describe the periodic effects that sound and vibration has on matter.The apparatus employed can be simple, such as a Chladni Plate (a flat brass plate excited by a violin bow) or advanced such as the CymaScope, a laboratory instrument that makes visible the inherent geometries within sound and music.From wikiThis class and projects will be about the exploration of audio driven patterns and graphics with an intention to create an instalation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project One

Circuit Bending and ElectronicsDuration 3 weeksCircuit Bending and ElectronicsDuration 3 weeks
Each person will buy two or more battery powered electronicaudio devices. (Must be battery powered). One will be aspeak and spell machine the other will be up to you.Week One – IntroductionWeek Two – Disassemble and initial testsWeek Three – Adding components for control and interaction.Note. As well as buying electronic audio devices you will also need soldering irons and various other components.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project Two

Signal Processing and SoundDuration 3 weeksSignal Processing and SoundDuration 3 weeksPREFACESound signals have been represented graphically for as long as graphics has existed. However with a computer added to the working pipeline its possible to envisage many new and unexplored visualizations of audio data.The basis of motion graphics is often the relationship between sound and image. However as media breaks out of the confines of the screen new methods and approaches to audio data output are emerging.ProcedureWe will take our sound source from the first project. Processes it digitally then output it three dimensionally via the laser cutting fabrication process.Week One - IntroductionWeek Two – Strategies for visualizing audioWeek Three – Digital laser output

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project Three

Real-time and interaction or Pre renderedDuration 6 weeksFor the final part of our project you have two choices.Option One- Pre Rendered AnimationUsing trapcode sound keys you can use your audio signal to generate motion graphics in After Effects. The visual style should be abstract I suggest.
Option Two- Real Time interactionUsing your sound and circuit knowledge you will hook up your device toa computer and use the signal to modify / change an image.Software could be Quartz composer ( for mac ) or VVVV or which ever program you choose.Final PresentationPhysical Media 2009 from Opi@te Acc on Vimeo.
Duration 1 week