Ciska Swaak/TOTT
Tools of the Trade
Crafting one's tools - crafting one's signature
Theme
The notion of a ‘tool’ in contemporary artistic practice is much wider than a simple hand-held implement. Tools can move material as well as ideas. Tools can fabricate as well as disseminate. Knowing one’s tools (how they are defined, designed, and put in effect) not only gives one agency, but often becomes the crux of one’s artistic practice. This holds particularly true for digital craftsmen. The current range and access to new digital instruments--from dozens of desktop CNC technologies that can make almost anything to hundreds of sensors to measure can pretty much everything--have given rise to a new wave of artist-built machines. Moreover, recent critical practices that break away from the more commercial and industrial (affirmative) applications have brought a new spectrum of objects that instrumentalise design’s potential as a discursive tool. Whether milling-out matter or carving-out meaning, this project ask you to both envision and build new tools for you practice. In this quarter you will define, design, and put into effect a new tool or medium that will strive for two main aims: it will carry your traces and signature as maker, as well as apply/reflect on the technological possibilities of our time.
Deliverables
- A new 'tool/medium' medium (Bespoke/DIY production technology, critical or speculative artifact);
- An initial working demo as case experiment;
- Three 1min short films over your tool/medium focusing on 1) a technical/practical walkthrough, 2) it's raison d'être -- your personal relationship with it and its implications for your practice; and 3) its larger cultural context.
- +/- 4000 word reflection document defining 1) where your specific 'craft' lies in relation newer technologies, 2) new tools for your trade, 3) the implications for your work within both a personal and cultural context;
- A packaged project wiki page and oral presentation.
Q2 Important Dates / Assignments
Nov 4 Start
Nov 10 Present the theme you want to work with: What is the craft you are going to work with and what are its key characteristics? How could physical or digital tools affect your craft in an essential way? Define this with a short written statement that you will read and discuss in class. (Also propose a few scenarios that you find interesting and want to explore?)
Nov 17 Present a proposal for you project. Present in 5 slides what your project will do, how it will work, what motivates you to do it. — We will assign you a sensor that you’ll need to make a cool demo with. You can use tutorials and copy other people’s work, but you have to a/ personalise the demo and b/ be able to explain us how it works. Please don’t make something boring: make something that puzzles us / scares us / makes us laugh / anything…
Nov 24 Problem cases: re-worked proposal for your project if necessary. Present your working demo with the assigned sensor.
Dec 15 Working prototype ready. Research Document Due. Storyboards for films ready.
Dec 22 Christmas Holiday
Dec 29 Christmas Holiday
Jan 5 Finishing touches
Jan 23-25 DC Exhibition
