Propose This

It seems to be a common sentiment that technology did not exist before the 20th century. I have always been severely skeptical of this particular claim. While certain advancements constitute a necessary and welcome element in any progressing society, I have rarely felt the need to situate my practice on the cutting edge in any field. It has, however, become painfully apparent of late that a working artist lacking (at the least) a passing acquaintance with emerging practices is considered something of an oxymoron. Circumlocutions aside, the point seems clear: I need to learn what all the fuss is about. Keeping my skeptic wits about me, I have always preferred long trial periods when approaching new skill-sets.

While digital media may one day become a more substantial part of my research, at this point my interest in and intentions for this course are to gain a rudimentary understanding of techniques to support and manage the professional end of my practice. As my experience with digital techniques and tools leaves a great deal to be desired, I would like to develop at least a basic familiarity with the programs and skills mentioned in the course description (the Adobe suite, photo editing, basic animation and web design). It is my hope that after a semester of practice I will be equipped with the basic understanding necessary to both improve the documentation of my work and begin to develop a more substantial presence within various creative communities. Aside from these more pressing goals, a possible long-term application of the course material may present itself in the context of hypothetical future exhibitions. Over the course of the last year I have been developing a group of fictional societies based around major commercial holidays, each derived from a factual historical culture that has been transported into the present (and future) through various means ranging from disturbingly plausible to downright absurd (see below).

Norse News is Good News: Dimensional Assistance for the Homesick Viking
2011

ValhallAir: Flight 1225
2011

The First Easter (concept drawing)
2012

This semester, I plan to create an installation dealing with a war between these groups for control of a post-apocalyptic America. While primarily a sculptural installation, I intend to augment the physical structures with interactive lighting and audio. Through not directly tied to the content of this course, this upcoming show may serve as a sort of platform to investigate the compatibility of digital media with my current body of work. If successful, future projects may include digital elements (such as projections or animation) applied to the more tangible material:

Untitled (Coyote Tells Me His Secrets)
2012