In this hands-on seminar, we'll add a new twist to 3-D art by activating it with microprocessors. Imagine the fundamentals of computer science, sculpture, engineering, and aesthetic design all brought together in innovative, whimsical constructions. Students will engage the nuts-and-bolts of fabrication, learn to program computers, and get the insider's guide to the ways robots think. This collaborative lab will culminate in a campus wide exhibition. No prior experience is required--this course welcomes all students with artistic inclinations and light bulbs in their brains.
We will have joint office hours after class. You can also reach us by appointment. At other times, Stephen may be in the shop or in the studios, whereas Dave may be in his office. Dave keeps his office hours as they change in this online calendar.
There will be a variety of shorter assignments early in the course followed by a long project in which you will address specific design and construction issues. Plan to spend at least ten hours per week working in the shop or in the computer lab outside of class. In this class you will learn by doing, and most of you will find that you need significantly more time than this to complete your projects satisfactorily. There will be a number of opportunities where your work will be demonstrated to the rest of the class, and you will also be required to participate in the critiques of your classmates' work.
Due to the physical nature of this discipline, the most effective way to help you become comfortable with the tools and processes often includes touch (manipulation of your hand positions and posture). Should this contact bother you in any way please let us know and other methods of instruction will be arranged.
Research of an artist will culminate in an oral PowerPoint presentation that will happen in the middle of the term. Here you will describe to the class an artist working with technology in creative ways that you find particularly intriguing and that you have researched thoroughly.
Check your e-mail. We will keep you posted regarding any shop and class updates via your Carleton e-mail address and expect that you will check for these notices on non-class days.
You are required to attend every class. (Tool and technology demos will be held almost every day. Come to class on time and ready to work.) In class work days are just that - In Class. This is the most valuable time you have to address technical problems or design questions. The time may not be used for material gathering or other out of studio activities. Missing the end of semester cleanup or repeated tardiness will result in a non-passing grade.
On Saturday, March 15th, at 7 pm, there will be opening where you will present your work to the public. Anyone will be welcome to attend to see what you've done. On Monday, March 17, at 1:15, there will be a group critique of the work that you have submitted.
You all start this class with different abilities and skills and your grade will not be based on those, but rather on your commitment to expanding your understanding of sculpture and of programming. A general guideline for grading is as follows: Projects -75%, Class Participation -15%, Research Presentation -10%. Your success in this course depends on how vigorously you challenge yourself and on how well your work develops over the term. You are, however, more than welcome to meet with us individually at any time during the term to discuss your progress.
All supplies required for the projects will be supplied, though you may find that you want to purchase your own materials to feed your ideas or supplement your constructions. There is one required text: Beginning Arduino Programming by Brian Evans. Apress, 2011.
Due to the nature of the problems assigned and the materials used, everyone will be responsible for the safe operation of various tools and knowledge of their capabilities. If you are not comfortable with a tool, DO NOT USE IT! It is your responsibility to ask for help. Safety in the shop is of the utmost importance and irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated. You are responsible for providing the majority of your own materials. Come prepared to work through each class session. Due to the intimate nature of these studios, it is important that you respect other students' work and materials. To ensure the smooth operation of our facilities and the space, everyone must be involved with the cleanup at the end of each class period.
Some of the technology that we will be using is not inexpensive, and so all of that equipment will be kept in a locked equipment cabinet. You should do your part to help ensure that this equipment remains secure. For example, if you are the last person to leave the studio, please make sure that the cabinet is locked.
The sculpture and robotics studios will be open during the day and in the evenings. Monitors will have keys to the technology cabinets so that you can get equipment if you need it.