Distant Tracings//Tracing Distance is an exhibition featuring two constructions that use pulse monitors to control PDLC film over video. In the first piece called Distant Tracings//Journey, the pulse is my own, sent over the internet. The coding for the Raspberry Pi and Arduinos that control the PDLC is by Tom Giblin, the audio is by Joey Schutz and myself, and the casement carpentry is by Jack Esslinger. (video monitor, wood, polycarbonate, PDLC, remote pulse monitor, custom electronics, 45x62,” 2017)
The first part explores two relationships in which physical distance played a part. It depicts imagery of my granddaughter, who started her life half-way around the world and even now remains thousands of miles away near the Pacific Ocean. She is on a journey in various geographic and time locations. I wanted this journey to be controlled by our emotional connection. The use of a pulse monitor allows us to see the image clearly only within the heart's rhythm. My original intent was to have the visitor control this clarity with their own pulse, but during development my sister died unexpectedly. This led Tom and I to connect my pulse to the piece remotely. My sister lived near the Atlantic Ocean and overspray of water on the lens at the end is from a visit to her favorite spot just after her death. The video then shows the waves of the Pacific Ocean, completing the loop across the country.
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crysta)l is commonly used in “smart glass” panels for windows and office walls. It is related to the LCD technology in our computer displays. The film turns from opaque to clear when AC voltage is applied across the two layers of film. In this case the electrical signal is controlled by my pulse.
Depree Gallery, Hope College, Holland Michigan, October 10 - Nov 8 2017
Merwin Gallery, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington Illinois, November 11-Dec 12, 2017
The first part explores two relationships in which physical distance played a part. It depicts imagery of my granddaughter, who started her life half-way around the world and even now remains thousands of miles away near the Pacific Ocean. She is on a journey in various geographic and time locations. I wanted this journey to be controlled by our emotional connection. The use of a pulse monitor allows us to see the image clearly only within the heart's rhythm. My original intent was to have the visitor control this clarity with their own pulse, but during development my sister died unexpectedly. This led Tom and I to connect my pulse to the piece remotely. My sister lived near the Atlantic Ocean and overspray of water on the lens at the end is from a visit to her favorite spot just after her death. The video then shows the waves of the Pacific Ocean, completing the loop across the country.
PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crysta)l is commonly used in “smart glass” panels for windows and office walls. It is related to the LCD technology in our computer displays. The film turns from opaque to clear when AC voltage is applied across the two layers of film. In this case the electrical signal is controlled by my pulse.
Depree Gallery, Hope College, Holland Michigan, October 10 - Nov 8 2017
Merwin Gallery, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington Illinois, November 11-Dec 12, 2017
The second part: Distant Tracings//Tracing Distance//Cistern explores memory. The fogging and clearing of PDLC film over the video physically represents the tide of memory, connected to the viewer’s pulse. It is a reimagining of an earlier video, but I am much happier with this video interacting with the PDLC film. Now the content of notes and whispers are hidden and revealed by the film, much as the secrets are hidden in the walls of this ancient cistern found under the property next to our driveway. The interface for the visitor is an altar of stone from the site on a glass template. It is lit from within and invites the visitor to reach into the crack between stones. The performer is Kora Radella, the text comes from Gretchen Henderson and the coding is by Tom Giblin.
The two pieces together as an installation complete the circuit of longing and memory, both personal and more universal.
The two pieces together as an installation complete the circuit of longing and memory, both personal and more universal.