I’d like to share my idea for a inter-disciplinary video and digital fabrication project. Both video mapping and digital fabrication are emerging trends for creative pursuits. In the spirit of collaboration, I am putting my ideas out there for sharing.

What follows is my bold proposal to Mapping Fesitval 2012:

---

PROPOSAL FOR A COLLABORATIVE FABRICATED LIGHT SCULPTURE

Project Description

My project is called the Asymmetrical Synchronicity Conjecture (Asynchronj). It explores the use of new fabrication technology such as 3D printing or laser cutting to create a shape for video mapping.

It is a sculpture, hung from the ceiling with a video projector pointed at it. Software will project a 3D model of the sculpture back on itself to create an interactive installation. Members of Mapping Festival will also be invited to display their own video projections on the sculpture.

The sculpture is shaped to suggest a parasite attached to a host — but not any particular type of parasite. The parasite theme is a metaphor for the symbiotic mimesis produced by the interaction of the fabricated sculptural model and the 3D model that is being projected back on to the sculptural model. It is also a comment on the social issue of humanity’s relationship to the environment and it reminds us that a symbiotic relationship is a type of parasitic relationship.

Rationale

The methodology proposed for making the sculptural components is also what makes this piece relevant. The sculptural components’ forms are echoed in a 3-dimensional model that is projected back on to it. The forms, both virtual and real, are synchronized with each other to produce something entirely new. Hence, it’s name the Asymmetrical Synchronicity Conjecture.

Detailed Outline of Sculpture Construction

The sculpture is based on a finished 3D model created in Autodesk Maya. Research has been done to finalize options for realizing the final design.

Option 1: The 3D model is broken into smaller pieces that can be printed in segment that allow for curved surfaces. An internal armature will be constructed using laser-cut orthogonal lines that create the contour. The segments will then be attached to the armature and ‘sewn’ together using zip-ties that are inserted into the corner vertices.

Option 2: The 3D model is exported using a specific program that creates a 2D form from that 3D mesh; the 2D form can then be laser-cut into paper and folded to create the final form. Since it is light-weight no armature is required.

An installation will be created to run on the sculpture. Interactive aspects will be explored through external devices such as Kinect or brainwave-reading peripherals for ‘video-kinesis’.

A video template will be created in Quart Composer for those who might wish to participate in creating content for this project.

It will load a 3D model and have a method of aligning it with the sculpture. Members of the festival may also use VJ software with Madmapper to perform on the sculpture.

Some 3D printed maquettes of the sculpture will be on-hand as give-aways to participants.

Although this current project is a departure from my past work both in its ambition and subject matter, I am determined to create it anyway. I hope that Mapping Festival will allow me to lead this project so that a new facet of video mapping with digital fabrication technology can be realized within the global video-artist community.

Timeline

November 2011:

• Research completed

• 3D model completed

December:

• ‘Rerap’ 3D printer constructed for building prototypes

• Prototype(s) create

January 2012:

• Begin building video templates

• Create website to organize collaborative aspect of project

February:

• Large-scale model in production

• Publish 3D models in Quart Composer template for community creations

March:

• Finalization of large-scale model

April:

• Work out bugs in project

May:

• Travel to Mapping Festival with sculpture

Supporting Work

(omitted from this example)