“Time passes us and rushes on, and we remain behind, old and crumbled. But we are rejuvenated again and again by static and continuous movement…”

-------- Jean Tinguely 1959 1

“When a scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.

The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

-------- Arthur C. Clarke’s three laws of technology. 2

Course Description

Constructing art objects that incorporate real or apparent motion often requires skills in a number of areas: physical shaping and fastening of elements, linking them to an actuator (such as a motor), and controlling the motion, most typically through electronics. This course will give students a grounding in all these techniques as well as initiate a discussion of some of the problems and possibilities inherent in the aesthetic use of motion.

Syllabus

The machine has been woven into the fabric of our society for more than 100 years. Art movements of the twentieth century have engaged and integrated the machine into their artwork. The current digital revolution has added a new dimension to electromechanical art. Hence, there is a continuing need today for ways of building and integrating motion into contemporary artwork.

Through hands on experience in the studio, Fabricating for Motion shows students how to access and use the enormous amount of material and technology available. Students will also be introduced to electronic and kinetic art through screenings, readings and gallery visits.

Davis, Douglas. Art and The Future New York; Praeger Publishers, 1975. Pg. 126

2. Kurzweil, Ray The Age of Spiritual Machines. New York; Penguin Pub. , 1999

Students will develop their ideas engaging both conceptual and technical aspects of kinetic sculpture. Each project will look at structural form and material, introducing techniques for fabricating with different materials. Projects will also investigate time structure and sequencing motion through various techniques of control. The two assigned projects are intended to build on each other supplying students with needed workshops and lectures. Through the projects students can develop a personal language and approach to creating kinetic art work. Demonstrations of many different electronic components will be given throughout the semester. Hands on discovery of materials and components is an integral part of this course. Students are expected to experiment and test the different devices presented. This investigation of materials and processes will allow students to construct artwork that serves as a visual manual for building future work. This is an experimental media class, you are encouraged to bring in unique materials and devices to incorporate into your artwork.

Complementing the studio experience, there will be readings, videos, research and critiques. Readings will be accessible through the S.A.I.C. portal, there you can find readings listed as files or hyperlinks. There is also a hyperlink to an online course outline that is part of my home site; all the home work is hyperlinked on this site. A bibliography for assigned readings and additional reading will be provided. Video screenings and slides will be shown periodically introducing new artists to the class. Research is an essential component of any studio class and should accompany each project. Students will submit a project proposal for each project; consisting of a short paragraph description and a sketch. There will be group critiques for each project providing a forum for discussion of readings and research as well. Students are encouraged to view exhibits and guest lecturers that show or discuss electronic art.

Questions and concerns that arise outside of class can be sent to my email. This proves helpful when students are looking for materials and preparing for class. Students may also send project proposals by email.

Course Requirements:

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend and participate in each class period. This is a six-hour studio course and students are expected to attend the entire day. If student wishes to work outside of class they must receive permission. If a student has more than 3 absences they may not pass this course.

Participation:

Participation in labs and demonstrations is essential. Students must become familiar with fabrication processes and electronics to complete the assigned projects. During studio work time access to tools and machinery is in high demand and students should be working in the shop whenever possible. Students are expected to complete all reading assignments for discussion in class.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a disability for which you seek an accommodation, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 116 S. Michigan Ave. 13th floor or by phone at 312.499.4278 or email Sara Baum, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (sbaum@artic.edu). Please also contact me early in the semester (preferably within the first two weeks of class) to discuss your needs.

Projects:

Students must complete two projects or the equivalent of two projects to pass this course.

Project 1:

Students will fabricate a mechanical sculpture integrating motion into a sculptural form. This project introduces students to the lathe, mill and other shop machinery. This project is intended to familiarize students with linkage design and structural armature design; projects will be constructed from metal. This project is intended to be small in scale. This project may also be a component that is used in the 2nd project.

Project 2:

Students will create a time-based sculpture that investigates control techniques. Once you have learned to put form into motion controls and limits must be added to your design. Demonstrations will look at; switches sensors, timers and computer controllers. Students will also learn about power supplies for their art. This project can also expand on the form used in the first project. This second project is also the final project for the class.

Proposals:

For each project students will submit a proposal. Proposals will consist of a short project description (approx. 1/2 page with a sketch). Each project is an investigation into mechanical structure, skills and concepts, it is understood that ideas will mature and the resulting project may look different from the proposal.

Materials:

Students are expected to obtain their own materials for this course. We will discuss how to obtain different materials and students will be given a list of suppliers. The ability to search for and obtain proper materials is essential to building kinetic sculpture. The Electronics / Kinetics Shop can provide fasteners, simple electronic components. However, Motors and more expensive components are for demonstration only. There are old devices and machinery that can be harvested for parts in the classroom.

Fall 2007

Outline & Calendar

Fabricating for Motion

(Please note this outline may be revised as the semester progresses.)

Sept.5

1. Course Introduction & Syllabus/Outline discussion.

2. Class Introductions background

3. Studio: Shop Authorization.

4. Questionnaire

5. Begin discussion on electronics

6. Video & Discussion: Arthur Ganson.

*Reading: Syllabus, Outline and electricity handout.

* Online Reading: Information Arts Website.

Sept. 12

1.Questions on outline.

2. Electronics discussion.

3. Assignment: Project 1.

4. Studio: electronics and electronic devices

5. Begin Lathe authorization.

5. Homework: 1/2 page project proposal (typed) & sketch of idea.

6. Video & Discussion: Tim Hawkingson.

*Online Reading: 1. Article by Eduardo Kac.

Kinetics Supply list.

Sept. 19

1. Linkage & Actuator Design.

2. Look at actuators & motors.

3. continue Lathe Authorization.

4. Project Proposal Due***.

*Online Reading: Display Case website.

Sept. 26

1. Discuss Different methods of Fastening materials.

Milling Machine Authorization.
Tapping demonstration.
Video & Discussion.

* print the online tapping guide for reference.

Oct. 3

1.Welding Demo.

2. Studio: MIG welding, continue lathe & mill work.

3. Students work on projects.

Homework: Students continue fabrication outside of class, lab open access hours on door.

Oct. 10

1. Finish welding demonstrations.

2. Students work on projects in class.

3. Video & Discussion.

Oct. 17

1. Work on projects today.

Oct. 24

1. Finish projects & * Critique first project.

2. Assignment: Project 2.

3. Video & Discussion.

* Online Reading:

Oct. 31

1. Time Based Sculpture: Sequencing and Control.

2. Timers and switches and Relays

*Online Readings: 1. Download BS2 manual.

2. Browse http://www.parallax.com/

Nov. 7

1. Studio: Stamp Demo. and also look at other control devices.

2. Sensors

3. Video & Discussion.

Nov. 14

1. Power Supplies.

2. Project Proposal due***.

Nov. 21

1. Digitally Controlled Motors

2. Work on projects for 1/2 day

Nov. 28

1. Work on projects today **FINISH PROJECTS**

Dec. 5 CRITIQUE WEEK NO CLASS

Dec. 12 Final critique & course wrap up.