Sallys Update: 15.01.11

Great progress made regarding the use of mains powered LEDs as a light source. e.g.:


http://www.maplin.co.uk/5mm-superbright-white-led-45936

After several experiments with various LED types and different voltages it became apparent that a single LED provided equal or very similar results to the use of the iPhone has created the brightest and clearest image to date.
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The considerations of using a single LED are advantageous in terms of achieving a 'clean, simple, minimal, floating aesthetic'.
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Positioning of 'screen' at a 45 degree angle in order that the maximum viewing impact may be achieved and from as many vantages as possible - above, below and from a 'normal' gallery viewing perspective. -Also to further incorporate the overall intended 'aesthetic of 'weightlessness' which the appearance of the organza at this angle creates.
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Discussion took place concerning the method of movement of the light-source by way of using fans which is favoured strongly by the group . Also the possible use of a mobile structure and the careful use of balance, to further enhance the range of movement in order to achieve the optimal image.


http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.82381304.jpg
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I also really love the use of a pendular motion of movement of the source of light which may yet be used solely or in combination with a 'mobile form', so as to introduce the metaphor of time, which is very appropriate to the overall ideas of the natural forces of life which the installation intends to present to the viewer.

Kenetica Blurb & Publicity Pics: 16.12.10

Immos Version:

Name: "Air-Phemeral" (a word play on "Air" and "Ephemeral")

Blurb:

"We are constantly surrounded by slight, fleeting movements in the space we inhabit which consists of the air we breathe in and out, essential to our survival yet we do not experience it consciously except when in a different state to the one we are accustomed to. We can sense its temperature and humidity, we can hear its vibrations through sound but we cannot really grasp it with our bare eyes. By creating a new spacial dimension through light, distortion and reflections of air particles the spectator is invited to discover and explore an unseen, mysterious, ephemeral world which is around us at all times yet we think of as a never changing constant in our lives. Could we consciously transcend into this other dimension to gain some deeper understanding of where we are and how our slightest movements impacts on a fragile world which consists of an amazingly thin blue layer of gas on a small planet no larger than a minuscule dot in an endless universe?"

Sally's Version:

Installation, mixed media and projection
Artists: Hadjer Ben, Immo Blaese, Sally Butterfield, Namak Khsh, Georgina Trias, Marcin Wysocki, (MA Students at TVU)

An abstract interpretation of flow visualisation, which seeks to illuminate hidden natural phenomena that exist all around us.
The 'unseen' mathematical wonders and physics of nature; patterns created in swirling smoke, or the way air and water create unseen furls and vortex's on a predetermined atmospheric journey, as it 'migrates' or 'infuses' with another substance, as it progresses on it's infinite journey. Within the quiet movement of a breath, a gentle motion or gesture, which is taken for granted by all of us, exists this hidden complexity in a universally shared perception of simplicity or 'nothingness' observed in air, water and atmosphere – and yet, this is how 'all' life is supported and sustained. Our existence throughout time is based on the ability of the constant interchange of substance and matter, such as the intricate and complex process of the oxygenation of our blood, which is then distributed throughout our bodies, via our heart to our vital organs, which occurs without us even being conscious of it.

These apparently simple, yet incomprehensibly complex natural occurrences are potentially breathtakingly beautiful. The work intends to capture and convey the immense hidden true significance and importance that belies the enigma of the forces of life itself.

Sallys Thoughts: 05.12.10

- 'Flow visualisation' is really what we are trying to accomplish with our work and Schlieren is only 'one' (& presently our chosen) method that can be used to visualise this.

- for me it is the realisation of these hidden attributes of nature and natural phenomena that exist all around us, and the 'unseen' physics and mathematical wonders of nature that I find very interesting (truly amazing really!!)

- the unpredictable!! (or are they? many patterns in nature may exist as a result of calculable known formulae and principals of physics)

- patterns created in swirling smoke or the way air and water create unseen furls and vortex's in the route it takes as it 'migrates' or 'infuses' with another substance, or progresses on it's natural and eternal journey, or just in the movement of a breath, or a gentle motion or gesture, that although it is taken for granted by all of us

- it is this hidden complexity in an apparent simplicity or 'nothingness' (i.e air, water, atmosphere etc.),

- which is how 'all' life is supported and sustained. Our existence throughout time is based on the ability of the constant interchange of substance and matter

- as the intricate and complex process of the oxygenation of our blood which is then distributed throughout our bodies via our heart, to our vital organs which occurs without us even being conscious of it.

All of this is so much more incredible than is realised.

These apparently simple, yet incomprehensibly complex occurrences are potentially breathtakingly beautiful and I hope that we can capture and convey the immense hidden importance that belies the enigma of the forces of life itself.

Please do not lose sight of this as to me it is the essence of our work.

- this link from the has some amazing and inspiring flow visualisation images.

- Perhaphs we should consider the use of stills and/or film in conjunction with our installation as a medium to convey our message.

http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/flowvis/index.html

By the way - the film on Youtube is very good but please also look at the 'Galleries' tab for a wider range of stills and footage.