Thursday, November 21, 2013

Dorkbot - A New Program at the JNAAG

We are pleased to present a dynamic new program designed to nurture our local electronic arts community by offering an informal peer development network for any strange things with electricity. 

Dorkbot is an informal group of affiliated organizations worldwide that sponsor grassroots meetings of artists, engineers, designers, scientists, inventors, and anyone else working under the very broad umbrella of electronic art. It was started by Douglas Repetto at the Columbia University Computer Music Center in 2000 and currently has over 100 chapters actively planning and holding meetings. 



The goal of our program is to provide an open discussion and peer exchange of ideas and projects from those involved in the electronic arts, to see how we can build on and develop these common interests. This community exchange will ultimately help identify the direction the program will take.


The program will be a two-month cycle. On the first month, a featured guest will give a presentation on their use of electricity. Sometimes guests will be local enthusiasts, while other times it will be visiting artists and inventors from across the country. The presentation will set a theme. The second month will be an open studio with a variety of tools and supplies provided to explore the ideas that were introduced in the presentation. 

Potential topics include: circuit bending (beginner and advanced); MAX/MSP; Arduino; Solenoids and Motors; Programmable LEDs; sensors; optics; whatever you want!


Get plugged in -
Every Third Thursday at 7:00 pm



Nov. 28: DORKBOT 1.1 - Program Introduction / Community Input

The introductory gathering will be less formal and more about keeping it real; an opportunity for our community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other in an open and friendly environment. This community exchange will ultimately help identify the direction the program will take.
With such diverse and multi-disciplinary subject matter, we encourage participation from all types of artistic and professional backgrounds. If you're a painter, engineer or sculpture, electrician, musician or other creative type, you will fit right in!  Share your ideas and learn all about the strange things your neighbours are doing with electricity.

Dec. 19: DORKBOT 1.2 - Open Studio / Community Input

Building on the introductory Dorkbot session, this evening will offer a platform for home grown talent to share projects, experiments and new technologies that may be of interest to the group.

 The results of this session will be as technical, off-beat, and wacky as the participants personal interests.  Even if you do not have a project to share, we encourage you to come out and learn about new, cool tech projects in our community.


Jan. 16: DORKBOT 2.1 - James Kirkpatrick, Circuit Bending in Art and Music

The second cycle of Dorkbot will focus on the incorporation of electronics into artistic practice, beginning with a presentation by London-based artist James Kirkpatrick known for working in a variety of interactive mediums including drawing, painting, mask-making and sound improvisation.

Kirkpatrick will focus on his practice of creating custom built circuit-bent electronics, the creative art of short circuiting of electronic devices to create new musical qualities. Learn how James incorporates his technological experiments with other artistic interests. It is sure to be a sonic treat!


Feb. 13: DORKBOT 2.2 - Open Studio: Circuit Bending

Taking inspiration from James Kirkpatrick's experiments with circuit bending, this open studio night will provide the background and knowledge to create your own circuit bent device. Participants will be given a brief background on circuit bending and will be shown common techniques and precautions. From there the group can work collaboratively or independently to create their own circuit bent instrument.

No previous experience with electronics necessary.


For more information about this new program, visit out website, www.jnaag.ca  

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