On Saturday, the Learning Studio hosted a workshop, led by Michael Swaine and Amy Franceschini of Future Farmers. The workshop, called Tool Raising, is part of a celebration of Charles and Ray Eames’s seminal Powers of Ten film, which we celebrated last October. Eleven makers and artists were invited to create devices that allow you to see beyond one’s biological perceptual sensory domains.
Michael started everybody off by lining them up in order of the scale at which they worked. Michael has an ability to make strangers feel like they are old friends sharing stories around a campfire.
Stijn hacking a tin can with a camera inside.
Nicole tried to make a device to see like a chameleon.
Liz tries on Michael Brown‘s double-lens contraption.
Diane tests her small scale reproduction of our own Image Relay exhibit.
Head in the clouds, literally!
John Edmark tests the fit of his multiple mirrors contraption.
Meanwhile, visitors on the floor were invited to make guesses as to the function of some “mystery tools”.
One of our “mystery tools”.
A cloud-gazing contraption.
Stijn and Bernie Lubell through Michael Brown’s viewer.
Walter‘s tool to see like an owl.
During the public portion of the event, each artist shared with visitors what they created. Here, John demonstrates his “multiple views of self” device.
Many more photos in the slideshow!
Hey Luigi, check out the photos from Phil Ross’ Enormous Microscopic Evening 2010, which was held at the Hammer. We hosted a DIY scope table with some amazing assistants and simple gear. Kids and adults alike made lots of great viewing contraptions. This is one of the most satisfying make-it-on-the-fly events. Some pics are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/machineproject/sets/72157625351176014/with/5162098964/
Wow, Maria, thanks for the link! I was not aware of the project, although I find myself always loving everything the Machine Project does… It’s interesting to think of the same creative exercise (making “eye extensions”) as interpreted by artists and makers, versus people who may not identify themselves as such. I love that interplay, and the evocations that result from it.
Yes! Folks would come up and play and we’d hot melt glue them on the spot together into configurations they wanted. Surrounding us in the room were scientists, artists, etc. with their work. It’s the brainchild of Phil Ross, our 2nd year.