Journal Entries

may 9 & 14 - Performances! ITP Show Poster (Illustrator)

"Wave Shadows" in rehearsal:
  

mar 31

LIP performance set design and sound design complete. Thesis installation performance set and sound design begun.

mar 24 - Open Studio at DanceSpace Center

Attendees: 3 Troika Ranchers, 1 ITPer, 1 DanceSpacer, me, the Soft Wall, and my camcorder. Direct outcomes:

1. Replace weatherstripping with foam rubber as sensor padding.
2. Attempt to rear project shadow video, serendipitously leading to a mylar-as-water discovery (for the LIP performance).

mar 17

The first opportunity to play with an entire working Soft Wall system: Soft Wall - MIDI dimmer - projector - computer. Zohar K. graciously consulted this week on video projection for the LIP final performance.

Soft Wall circuitry soldered and mounted in a small project enclosure.

feb 16

PIC microcontroller programming completed. The control circuitry has a DIP switch to change the type of MIDI messages it sends.

PIC source code      Control settings

feb 5

thesis concept v2.doc.sit (5 pgs)

jan 28

Elements:

• Choreography of a dance that highlights interesting variations in line and shape.
• A person-scaled wall of stretch fabric that senses variations in stretching stress (pressure and rough location) as a person presses into it, and transmits that information via MIDI Out signal.
• MIDI-controlled dimmer driving theatrical lighting.
• Composition within a computer application for control of lighting and sound to complement the choreography based on the signal from the soft wall.

Goals:

• The soft wall is a (physically and electronically) predictable and enjoyable apparatus to dance with and choreograph around.
• The soft stretch wall apparatus is reasonably priced, durable, easily transported, and easily installed in a dance theater setting.
• The dance composition, sound, lighting, and soft wall integrate into a balanced, compelling short performance that highlights interesting variations in line and shape.
• The stretch wall functions as an interactive public art installation without using a complicated computer setup.