This summer I had received a grant for a workshop at Domaine de Boisbuchet: a place that positions itself as an international research center for design and architecture.
The workshop: Shadows and Whispers: Emerging Forms at the Edges of Nature focused on combining nature and technology and creating beautiful, dynamic shadow plays.
My contribution to the installation ended up being the Singing Field: I used metallic blades of grass to create a musical experience that reacted to the touch of the participants.
The blades were connected to a Digital Audio Workstation through a MIDI, when touched they would send a signal to play musical notes. When not interacting with visitors the singing field could be activated with a vibration motor, causing the 'grass' to move similar to wind blowing across a meadow.
For a week I was working on an interactive installation under the guidance of Philip Beesley and Rob Gorbet, I have learned so much from them and feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked together.
We have explored electronics, coding and practiced quickly setting up interactive prototypes.
At the end of the workshop we have hosted a dynamic exhibition.
The shadows of the prototypes were projected onto a white sheet, resulting in a big, immersive environment. The behavior of the prototypes was coordinates to create a choreographed feeling.
This was a very inspiring week for me; to be able to work with people from all over the world and dive into the world of art, philosophy, interaction and form-giving.
Something I have been looking forward to do for a long time.