MPM 33 Communication with Hybrid Environments

Phase 2 Prototype - Elements Project (this prototype was basically scrapped and I created the Medicine wheel project)

Had a chat with Norm and I've changed my project a little.  Adding an interactive element is easier said then done and so I'll be making one prototype of the 4 elements.  I think to try to make all 4 right now is a little over ambitious.   I decided to start with the element of fire.  So I bought a few small sheets of acrylic and made a few 'flames' by just using sandpaper to scratch the surface.  I have the sequence for the lights made using processing and arduino - just tweaking to do there.  I will be adding a heat sensor which the participant will activate via a small butane torch, yes Dave, I said torch!  The hard part is getting the heat sensor added in which will activate the light sequence and this is a processing bit that I don't look forward to.  Wish me luck!
Here is a short video of the very rough prototype.  Using the flat leds works well, but I'll probably need a strip of them instead.

MPM 33 Communication with Hybrid Environments project progress

Proposal (This was my initial proposal which later became The Medicine Wheel)

Introduction

Elemental is an installation based art piece. This instillation is a visual representation of the 4 elements, earth, air, fire and water.

Project description

Elemental is an instillation piece that encourages the viewer to consider how each element is connected to each other in terms of our ecology.  Human survival is completely dependent on these elements; we cannot survive without any one of the elements missing. We need water to keep ourselves hydrated, we need the sun for our plants to grow, we need the earth to grow plants for nourishment and we need air to breath.  These are essential for our existence and our survival is contingent on all of the elements working in harmony. The project will focus on one of the elements, as this will eventually be a 4 part series.  The first element will be that of fire and there are 4 acrylic panels, each having a flame etched into the surface.  The bottom of the panels will contain a u channel with a strip of leds.  The viewer will use a small torch to start the led sequence, thus engaging the viewer in connecting with the elements. The light sequence will stop as the resistor cools and will only begin again upon fire touching the resistor.

Conclusion

As a new media artist this instillation is a visual representation, which is meant to convey a message of sustainability.  It is an attempt to initiate acknowledgement the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Elements asks the participant to simply question and investigate his/herself personal connection to the four elements. In our modern society is greatly dependant on new technologies and it is important to reflect on the very basic of elements, which sustain us.

Purchased small acrylic panels – they are not wide enough

Purchased 4 RGB leds

Budget to date:

Purchased items               

RGB flat leds ( 4 single)                                                            $16

small acrylic panels                                                                   $12

Need to purchase larger acrylic panels  approx.                       $60.00

8x10 and they need to be ½ inch thick

Led strips x4                                                                              $30.00

U channels                                                                                 $20.00

Progress to date:

Tried a regular rounded led and el wire to light up panels, but realized a flat led to butt up flat against panel would work better.

Light sequence completed using an Arduino – still need to add code for heat sensor.  Made a prototype just to see what it might look like, it’s pretty rough at this point. Scratched flame into acrylic with sandpaper and placed over top leds and the image lights well enough, but a strip of leds would work better to allow the light to emit through the entire panel. 

Next step: 

Getting the heat resistor working with code in processing, so the light sequence begins when the resistor is heated and then stops when cooled a little. Purchase thicker acrylic panels and strips of leds.