University of California, Irvine |
||
Department of Visual Studies |
||
Project Coordinator
Michael Heim
| ||
|
Project Description As part of my ongoing studies in the conjunctions of art and technology, I have enrolled in the PhD Program in Visual Studies at UC Irvine, where I will continue to work on an analysis of interactivity and virtual worlds as I have previously done under the supervision of Dr. Michael Heim at Art Center. TCWF (Tobey Crockett's Wild Frontier) is an existing Eduverse world in which I plan to further explore the artistic vocabulary of virtual worlds. As an art critic, art historian and critical thinker in the field of digital media, I am interested in understanding how virtual worlds function as an interactive creative playspace for artistic self expression. One of the first requirements for understanding how virtual worlds can be used to foster new aesthetic experiences is to establish a lexicon of artistic tropes, techniques and devices which can be used by builders in virtual worlds. TCWF is intended to explore the idea of world as "self portrait", doubling as a location wherein I may map out all the available inputs, such as original authoring of models, backgrounds and avatars and the artistic exploration of such unique virtual worlds features as teleportation, triggers, multiple frame viewing, and external inputs such as webcams, music and other sound elements. I have already been working on a proof of concept for one such artistic device, wherein visitors can enter a 'ride' which will then trigger a series of flashing images in the web browser as they are teleported from point to point. This device has some intriguing cinematic possibilities, but it also points to rapid document sharing through navigational choices, a strategy which might be used in any number of ways, whether for educational or artistic purposes. There are many other features which are unique to virtual worlds and which constitute a rich language available for artists, educators and others interested in generating aesthetic experiences in the virtual worlds environment. My plan is for TCWF to offer examples of how these special features might combine to provide an aesthetic experience, and to offer a demonstration that virtual worlds are indeed, a creative playspace for artistic self expression. In addition, TCWF will play host to inworld events, such as the upcoming May 7th panel discussion on issues surrounding the building of a remotely located arts community, which is taking place as part of a CalArts Integrated Media program under the aegis of renowned digital artists, Sara Roberts and Jennifer Steinkamp. | ||
| | ||
|
