Twelve sculptures available to collectors interested in geometric and kinetic art. These sculptures were created in the late 1980's as an environment for IBM PC jr. computers and the reason for their existance is the programming. Using Microsoft DOS. Basic 2.10, and a computer keyboard I have attempted to work in the Constructivist Tradition using this technology.
With few mathematical skills but help from my sons I began learning to use a computer in 1982. Since 1990 there are 44 geometric / kinetic programs which vary in length of time, 2 to 5 minutes. Considerable variety exists as ideas have evolved over the years.
Also included here are a few photos of artist's who's concept of visual perception has had great influence on art in the form of Constructivism.
The above drawing in black and white is composed of 36 lines, each line has a beginning and ending. On the IBM PC jr. there are 128000 possible locations for each line. When you learn the language you can express yourself. Hammer & chisel, brush & canvas, plate & press, pixel & chips do not make Art, they are only the tools that some artists use.
Foreign as it may sound, I prefer to think there is a way to maintain "truth to material & form follows function" on two 5 1/4 flop'py disks. No video sliced through endless banks of gear and miles of cable. Just a keyboard on your lap and Basic DOS. 2.10. You don't have to go to Mars to be involved in "time & space".
Making plotter prints from the stilled photos of moving images can be very challenging. Although they do not explain the movement there are hundreds of possibilities available using the programs as they exist for someone interested is seeing them developed as wall works.
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The sculptures can stand alone as sculpture or be viewed on the monitor for the geometric / kinetic programs. At times I think of them as a figure, the computer as head and the rest keeping it up off the floor. The most personal satisfaction for me is viewing the monitor intimately.
The sculptures vary in size, four are eight feet tall, four are about 6 feet four inches and four are a bit over 4 feet 6 inches, the computers are painted in a variety of colors.
The Artist's represented here have now departed life, but left us with the richness of their minds and creative skills for contemplation and enjoyment.
Because the computers are over 20 years old, they will need serious care sometime in the future. Keeping them in operating condition might mean building new computers to replace them. The source code for all programs are included with the work so the collector can use them at his or her own discretion in many different ways. Large screen projection or a resting place for a glass of wine if the viewing on the monitor or conversation is pleasurable.
These sculptures with a selection of prints are available for viewing upon request. They are located in Terre Haute, IN. Interstate 70 exit (#7) is six miles south and Hulman Airport is located about 10 miles from the city.
A recent program # 43 is an effort to introduce larger circles into a basic format of fusing form with space and vice versa.The photos are stilled moments from the 3 minute program and can provide insight if read like a page. The longest pause in movement might be 3 seconds which allows a viewer to comprehend the structure before it evolve's into a related one. Many of the earlier ones had more variety but for the present this limited framework is very satisfyting.
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Lastly if you have access to some of the "heavy hitters" in the art or computer world that collect, I would appreciate sending them a link. I hope my creative skills transcend my ability of getting past receptionists. The best way to put it is "just tired of sucking the mainstream".