Research

Durational Performances in Physical Computing: a X-Canada Bike Journey Through Google Streetview is new practice-based research rooted in developing more meaningful understanding of corporate web infrastructure, making innovative art that documents data culture, and building new and influential ways to use corporate web platforms to communicate. The project draws on and contributes to DIY & Maker culture through the process of making new art work and real-time performances that attempt to humanize the complexity of socially networked space.

The research focuses on Riding Through Walls, a durational performance in physical computing; a mash-up of terms that I have coined, drawn from the disciplines of Fine Art and Computer Science that express the hybrid space that the work sits within. The performance takes shape as a cross-Canada expedition through Google Street View from behind the handle bars of a stationary bike. This 24-month trip is undertaken on an ‘Air Wing’, a networked stationary bicycle that propels me visually through Google map layers at pedalling speed. This is made possible through a custom built installation using the Arduino microcontroller, and a series of sensors and triggers. I occasionaly wear a Google Glass, and the performance is broadcast via live stream on YouTube and Google Hangouts. During each cycle session I take road-trip snapshots and I distribute these with status updates to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and I respond to community requests via these platforms.

This physical endurance test and new media performance is forming through process an archive of a contrived visual experience and a collection of human data. The project uses the built-in mechanisms of the social platforms and networked tools to connect with new community worldwide while simultaneously gathering analytic data. The project is also testing a new model for performance monetization through the incorporation of Google AdSense into each performance. All of these facets of operating within the new-networked age are employed and creatively tested, poked and prodded to build discussion on current social culture, and to demonstrate a new method for building art works within this industry force. The project contributes to new knowledge by inventing new methods to physically penetrate the internet and it builds opportunity for community engagement with art making process.  The later stages of the project will address knowledge dissemination through the implementation of a tutorial space for the public to learn how to build their own networked bikes.

In its current development phase, the project is providing research training to 1 student working within the area of DIY MAKER culture, critical making, new media and interactive art practice, physical computing and social engagement.

I am currently seeking a PhD student to commence September 2017.

This research aligns with the SSHRC Insight Development grant aims by initiating activity that mobilizes research knowledge in the development and distribution of methods for accessing and working with emerging technologies while considering how these tools can be leveraged to benefit Canadians. It also renders through creative practice a demonstration of the interconnected, evolving global landscape. The project further aligns with the University of Regina’s Strategic Priorities (2015-2020) to develop research impact in the areas of The Digital Future. It is a unique project in Canada and through its road-trip nature, a cultural tradition loved by Canadians, it has already begun to touch their imaginations (CBC Morning Edition 11/01/2016), as I travel to the frontier of creative art practice.