Hello and welcome to my website! My name is Christa, I am excited to share my journey in computational design with you. During this semester, I have participated in four different workshops: code, make, screen, and play. The Nocturne Prayers, showcased in the header, is an example of my work from the first workshop, Code. Using P5js, I created circular patterns and added my own touch by editing and colorizing it for a more pleasing outcome. Each workshop provided me with unique perspectives and insights, which helped me further develop my skills and creativity. Browse through my outcomes below to see how these experiences have influenced my creative process and outputs.
Throughout my learning, I learn that coding teaches us to find beauty in everything, embrace trial and error, expect the unexpected, and practice patience. Every line of code can be a work of art, and every program we write can be a masterpiece. It requires us to be comfortable with trial and error. We may not always get the results we want on the first try, but through experimentation and tinkering, we can discover unexpected and fascinating solutions. This process can be frustrating at times, but it also teaches us the importance of patience. Sometimes, we need to step back, take a break, and come back to the problem with a fresh perspective.
As a beginner in the world of coding, I've been fascinated by the endless possibilities that coding offers. This portfolio showcases some of the projects I've created as I've learned to code. While I may still have a lot to learn, I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish so far and the skills I've developed along the way. Therefore, I'm excited to share my coding journey with you!
Over the semester I participated in 4 different workshops covering topics such as Creative Coding, Projection Mapping, Making, and Physical Computing. Here you will find some of the process documentation and deliverables that were created in small teams of up to 3 people or individually.
Coding is a workshop by Andreas Schlegel that looks at the creative application of code in the design process. In this workshop, we have to choose between 4 briefs, sound, motion, pattern, and imaginary. Our group choose motion as we are interested in using the axiDraw machine. We named our outcome “Nocturne Prayers”. We were inspired by the festival when people send their prayers before letting go of a lantern. They waited until the lantern disappeared and faded away from the sky. We used blue posca, red posca, white gel pen, and a black ballpoint. Since the white posca that we used on the first attempt is too wet, we bought a new white pen (uni-ball gel).
Through this exercise, we learned that testing print before actually printing the artwork is very important because it allows us to see what it looks like. By doing this test print we can decide whether something is already right or need some correction. By choosing this brief we learned to be patient and thorough. We could find beauty everywhere. There are beautiful mistakes that we could take advantage of. For example, when using the machine, the tip of the marker that I used dries out and creates uneven strokes that give an effect of a dry brush. It may not be perfect but it gives more details for the drawings.
Tools used: AxiDraw machine, blue posca, red posca, white gel pen, black ink ballpoint, masking tape, and black paper.
Get ready to embark on a truly out-of-this-world journey! In this exciting exercise, we're tasked with turning abstract code into tangible, physical objects using the powerful software tool known as Blender. The theme for this particular workshop is none other than cosmic dust, the tiny particles of solid material floating in the space between stars that have played a vital role in the creation of our solar system and everything around us. It's fascinating to think that humans are also made out of cosmic dust, a fact that I stumbled upon during my research. With this in mind, I decided to name my final creation "Celestia".
This artwork takes inspiration from the crystalline structure of cosmic dust and highlights the critical role it plays in the formation of stars, planets, and the entire universe. The name Celestia, meaning "heavenly" or "of the sky" in Latin, truly embodies the celestial nature of this stunning piece. As we gaze upon Celestia, we're reminded of the infinite possibilities of space. Its unsymmetrical polygon shape captures the intricate patterns formed by cosmic dust particles as they interact with magnetic fields and other environmental factors in space, creating unique forms and diversity, just like the cosmos itself.
Tools used: 185 gsm white paper, masking tape, glue stick, double-sided tape, printed template, pen knife, cutting mat, scissors, ruler
Screens, a projection mapping workshop with Jo Ho. Projection mapping is a technique that uses projectors to create stunning visual effects on surfaces. It truly is an incredible art form that enables artists to create an immersive experience. Through this workshop, I learned that concept-making is crucial and challenging, and we spent time brainstorming unique ideas. Details matter in this art form, as I learned during a demo. There were unexpected challenges, but trusting the process and preparation helped. This project made me gain an interest to explore projection mapping further and learn from my mistakes to become a better artist.
We named this work “Angkasa”. As you step into the virtual world of the matrix, you find yourself standing in front of a towering building that seems to rise up in a sea of memory. The inspiration for this project comes from fantasy architecture buildings with random geometry cutouts. We wanted to create the feeling of reminiscing moments from the past. The building represents a spark of core memory that stands out in the darkness. The projection mapping brings these shapes to life, as they dance and twist in a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. The effect is otherworldly, transporting you to a realm where reality and fantasy merge into one as if you’re traveling into them.
Tools used: projector, cfoam, pen knife, glue, and ruler
In the world of physical computing, the possibilities are endless! Using Arduino & Uno, we explored this exciting field and discovered how it connects the physical and digital worlds to create amazing experiences for audiences. While making the physical pet was relatively easy, the challenge came in making the code interesting. We faced trials and errors during the modification process, but analyzing our mistakes and using debugging tools helped us make progress. This exercise taught me the importance of patience, attention to detail, and persistence in coding.
Through trial and error, debugging, and attention to detail, we created Pippi. Introducing Pippi, the adorable pet that reacts to your touch! Pippi's heartbeat comes to life on your computer screen, and by simply touching her, you can make her happy. You can witness her emotions firsthand as the visuals on the screen transform to reflect her joy. This interactive pet is an ideal choice for pet lovers who desire to experience the pleasure of caring for a lovable pet from the comfort of their home. With Pippi, you can enjoy the delight of nurturing a lovable pet with just a touch of your fingertips.
Tools used: Arduino Uno, styrofoam balls, googly eyes, gloves, glue
Progress through trial and error depends not only on making trials, but on recognizing errors.
by Virginia Postrel
What have I learned over the course of this semester? Throughout this semester, I learned that paying attention to small details is crucial. it taught me the importance of patience, attention to detail, and persistence in coding. Despite facing numerous trials and errors, I was able to refine the code and make progress toward how I wanted it to look like. Overall, this experience taught me that even small steps towards improvement can lead to significant progress in the long run, and that there is always room to learn and grow.
Some of my most interesting findings this semester are? Beauty can be found everywhere and that there are even beautiful mistakes that we can take advantage of. I also learned that using a machine to draw is not as easy as it seems since machines require more attention and accuracy. It made me realized that without technology, the earth would be nothing, and there are so many amazing things in our surroundings that can inspire us.
What are some of my achievements? I notice that I’ve made quite significant progress in my learning process. As someone who is new in the world of coding, I am proud of myself for being able to do all the projects well and putting in as much effort as I can to create nice outcomes. It has been a journey of a roller coaster through exploration and discovery, and I have gained a greater knowledge in these fields. It's been challenging at times, but the end result has been worth it, and I'm excited to see what other amazing things I can create using the knowledge and skills I've gained.