July 22, 2023 – 8pm – 2am – downtown Huntsville, ON
at the intersection of Brunel and Main (at the lights) in Kent park
For a thorough explanation of this project including many videos, images, and audio tracks, go here.
Interactive installation programmed by me in OpenFrameworks (C++), 3D models created in Blender, audio handled by SuperCollider, and I used a Kinect sensor for capturing participant’s movements.
summary videos
blob shop
delight and whimsy abounds
This was the 11th Nuit Blanche North show that I have been in. Some have been completely successful and some have been ‘nearly there‘. I have had some ambitious project ideas in the past but I was not aware enough of my limitations, not experienced enough to know the limits of what is possible – particularly in regards to the computer programming aspect. After many years, many shows, and many challenges, I have acquired enough experience to know what is and is not possible and how long it will take. Regardless, I was still definitely pushing myself with this project – this was the first project I have created using OpenFrameworks, C++, and the Kinect depth-of-field sensor. It took six months and I was very nervous throughout because I did not know if I could pull this project off or not. But week after week, one piece was put in place after another and my confidence increased steadily. Visit the project page where you will find descriptions, videos, and images that demonstrate in detail the distinct stages of progression that this project went through.
I had some important programming still left to do in the week leading up to the show and even the night before, even the morning of. I still was not sure if this was going to work. In fact, the night before, as if to test my sanity, the program started crashing while it was running which it had not done up until that point. I was devastated and struggling to not freak out…
I managed to keep it together though and quickly realized that if I used the program in a certain way, I would avoid problems. Thankfully, I was spared a career-killing embarrassment and the software worked perfectly throughout the show – not one error or crash. In fact, it became clear just how robust OF, C++, and the Kinect sensor were – expect to see more of this at future events and shows. The Kinect is 100% solid – I can definitely count on it to work.
The reception was enthusiastic and there were plenty of visitors of all ages (and especially children) who were engaged and interested. I had many conversations, met many different people, made some connections, and had a lot of fun. You will find plenty of photos in the links below. The first set of images were taken by me and the second set by my Mom who took some great shots of me interacting with people.
I found a screen that was see-through so I could position the projector behind the screen instead of in front where it would get in everyone’s way and be at risk of being knocked over. The area that I presented the installation in, Kent Park, at the intersection of Main and Brunel, was excellent – plenty of open space and plenty of space for people to sit. It was not too bright, so the projections were visible and vivid. Everything worked, the screen, the venue, the people, the software, the sounds, and of course, the weather! I am very proud of this one and I can say with confidence that it went perfectly!
photos from the show
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audio album
I created ten different ‘sets’ of audio material that could be played through the software. Click the image to go to the Bandcamp page.
