New Media

Earlier this week, I experienced the work of my professor, Simon Tarr (Quaknova.com). The most intriguing part of the presentation for me were the new media projects. This is probably due to the fact that I'm in MART 380 New Media class with Halverson. Since we've been studying different types of new media and we have to create a project for the end of the semester, I've become interested in new media projects and how they're made.

The glitch video, Interruptus, was an idea that caught my attention. Since it's made from interrupting the download of a video, I had never thought about even attempting that since usually my computer does it anyway and makes me angry. I never even checked to see what kind of effect it would have. I haven't ever really messed with glitching, but I've seen a lot of it since I started taking 380. My one issue with glitching is that the intent of the piece is generally based in the process and sometimes the final product has no relation to intent unless the process is explained. So I feel like in order for a glitch project to be fully appreciated, there has to be a description with the process. That's the only reason I tend to stay away from glitch projects because I feel like the final product should have it's own impact and then a description of how it was made should enhance the viewing process.

The main project I was interested in was the Waveform Art. I'm actually really intrigued by this idea and plan on trying to create some of my own Waveform Art for my final project. Now I just have to do the research to learn more about the actual process and what programs to use in order to get an interesting final product. For my readers out there who don't know what Waveform Art is, it's the use of the visual forms of sound waves to create an art piece. What's most interesting to me is creating the artwork and then converting the art back into sound based on the sound wave. Then presenting the sound with the artwork is really intriguing to me. It's like a visual audio experience.

The videos shown in class were also intriguing to watch especially the piece about Japan. I am familiar with the Japanese culture and was not surprised to see Harajuku in the video. A lot of people find it odd and weird, but it's a way of expression in Japan. Many Japanese students usually wear the same outfit every school day and can only express their individuality in the items they use which is usually why they have very decorative and creative notebooks and pens. So Harajuku station is a place where Japanese students can meet and show their creative side. I found it very interesting to see Harajuku shown as it's own "class" in the video.

So this blog has drifted away from animation in general, but I don't think that really matters. In order to create better animation, one should also familiarize themselves with other forms of art.