Author: adarabi

I have been experimenting with different designs and patterns using the Transform each and again function in Illustrator, I really like the pschaedelic forms created using this method. This is not so much a representation of the sound physically, but an experiment into how we see things, and how the human brain translates the light hitting the optical nerve. The idea of sound traveling in waves is often mixed up with the measurement of waves on a graph. However the use of lines on a graph paper can give a really nice effect and give a relative proportion to something else.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:: Find more ways of depicting light and colour in minimal forms that challenge the eye.

This video shows some of the earliest computer graphics programmed in mathematical algorithms by John Whitney. His book, Digital Harmony goes into great detail about his exploration of geometric forms in motion. I including him as part of my research for my dissertation which is also about the use of music and animation in harmony. For now, here is a video of his main catalog of work, with very nice typefont animation at the start.

Having watched a few experiments on the effect of sound waves/ vibrations on water I have learned that at different frequencies the water forms different shapes. Many of these forms are recognizable as symbols of some religions. Unfortunately I am not in the line of thinking that it forms these geometric shapes as a result of these religious symbols, rather that they have been harnessed as encompassing forms of nature. Below is an example of one of the simplest combinations of two shapes, known as Metatron’s cube. You may see some similarity to the star of David, the symbol commonly affiliated to Judaism.

The combination of two triangles in this symbol, is significant in that it is the combination of two of the simplest geometric shapes but also the strongest geometric shapes. It could be feasable therefore that water takes on this form simply because that is the most stable structure it can form without dispersing. During my first term, I produced a 2D animation, animating the formation of this shape, then the dispersal of the individual corners of the shape into seperate pools. This touches on the idea of fractals, found also in the formation of snowflakes.

A quick experiment on canvas in an attempt to recreate the waterfall effect i mentioned earlier. I also put a few lighting filters over the painting to give it a bit more of a glow. This also introduces the idea of the Live graffiti Jamming being combined with a live feedback loop. Whereby the artwork’s progress would be filmed and projected with a filter of some sort over the top.

Minimal yet complex, geometric design from La Boca design, London. I really like the way the outer shell has less hue, creating a sort of optical illusion. I am interested also in the meaning of the colourful shell, especially how it has been destroyed to make way for the path the man is walking along. I can only assume that the shell is a symbol for the bright and beautiful life on earth, having being demolished to make way for man’s pursuits of conquest and power. Although I do think that there might be a slight over-emphaisis on the damage man is actually causing to the earth’s vast density and rich diversity. I think it could be seen as quite egotistical as a species to think that we are causing so much change and damage, although, having said this any attempts to minimalise the changes we are actually causing. i.e. construction on greenbelt land, is completely justified. I may have been sidetracked there slightly, so apologies for that, but it just goes to show how representation combined with minimal graphic design can be very thought provoking and inspiring. How much the artowrk represents and reflects the music behind the sleeve is difficult to say, as i have not heard the music, but it may also be representative of the conceptual side of things behind the actual notage.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS:: Collect an array of different album artworks that I feel have been produced in response to the music itself in an interesting way.

A new innovation developed by graffitiresearchlab.com. consisting simply of an LED, battery and magnet.

Here are a few snaps from the Leeds Graffiti Jam, apologies for the poor quality photos.

I really like the idea of artists producing their renditions in conjunction with a DJ set. Whether the visual outcome was a direct response to the music and atmosphere I am not sure. Needless to say it was a very interesting experience, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere created.

Nightclub scene filmed on camera then put through and animation filter to give a live, visual feedback loop where the filter can be altered by hue, contrast or speed (if the filter is animated/ film footage). I have knocked up this visual to show what the live feedback loop might look like on screen:

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:: To take a waterproof camera swimming and see how many different ways I can photograph the light refracting through ripples and figure out a way of filming it in a format that can overlay a live camera feed.

Recent experiment with firefly lights, made using flash. I wanted to show how light can be used in the simplest way possible to give an interesting effect. By doing this I am exploring the elementary fundamentals of the moving image and projections. This extremely simplistic loop also will not dictate the atmosphere of where it is being projected too much, providing a background aura, which is I feel is the path I want to take as a VJ. Having said this, I also hope to develop some more complex and engaging renditions of geometric and also organic design. I want to compile a good range of styles and themes, with the aim of being able to perform with many different types of musicians and artists of different styles and genres.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT:: Colours, using the full spectrum in coordination to give a more exciting ambience. Also, playing with the shape of the circles to give an amoebic appearence to the cells. Perhaps also some strobing effects Note: Research health regulations for those who suffer epilepsy.

Waterfall with flash, I discovered this effect during my foundation year, not expecting the photo to come out at all I was astounded by the resemblance to a galaxy. It is part of the reason that I have become fascinated by water and it’s visually astounding and relaxing motion of flow.

As part of my VJing portfolio I want to dedicate an entire section to water and attempt to animate it’s fluidity as a liquid, but also it’s colosal presence in the skies. Also I would like to explore deeper into what happens when light and liquid meet and the various reflections, refractions and evaporation this causes. Incase I am becoming slightly too scientific about the whole thing I am also currently drawing up some illustrations for a story about raindrops and their everyday lives on cloud cumulus. Hopefully this will lead me to develop a whole world of magical creatures and characters that can be used as part of an animated story; possibly not for the reception of a dancing crowd but more as a personal addition to the content I am creating.

DEVELOPMENT:: To go out and film a waterfall under directive light.

CYMATICS

This still is taken from an eductational film about the phenomenon of cymatics. When subjected to sound waves of certain frequencies, water forms different patterns and shapes, which is extremely mesmerising when viewed in slow motion. I refered to this effect earlier in my blog, during the soundscape project, when I noticed these patterns forming simply by vibrating the surface the water was sitting on.

Effectively what we are seeing is waves of energy passing through water instead of air. It is obvious that the form of these waves is completely different and it is the surface vibrations causing these patterns not the air itself.

DEVELOPMENT:: Bubble speaker….