17 – 21 November 2008
“Dig where you stand” : hands on basic electronic and mechanical art works
Dig where you stand is a quick and intensive course with the goal to use simple material to do complex electromechanical artworks, kinetic sculptures and installations.
As an artist one might get frustrated when it is difficult to get access to material to realize a project. A specific part might be too expensive, a piece of software might be hard to learn or one might just not know what to use to solve a problem. A practical problem can evolve into general frustration. In the worst case scenario the result is that ideas are being abandoned even before the process of realization has begun.
The course “dig where you stand” will be a week where the participants are making art from “off the shelf products” and material that can be found in you local or home environment. We will use stuff like electrical motors from the junkyard and rubber belts from Clas Ohlson. Your work might be really complex or plain and simple. The main goal is to experiment and get hands on experience and knowledge that can inspire and facilitate.
The relation between art and technology has a reputation of being complex and expensive. This course will prove this wrong and it will inspire you to try out new stuff on your own and give you the basic knowledge to be able to do so without being frustrated. As a bonus you will hopefully be able to focus more on the ideas instead of the problems in you creative work.
During the week there will also be an ongoing discussion on several topics concerning the artistic sides of working with electricity, mechanics and movement.
The course will be given by Lars Brunström an artist with long experience from working with kinetic sculptures, mechanical and model based art installations. Lars Brunström is frequently working with the “language of movement” and is interested in both human and animal movement translated into physical works and installations. Lars Brunström graduated form the Malmö Art Academy 2002 in 2006 he received the Maria Bonnier Dahlin Grant.
The course will start with a presentation of Lars Brunströms past and current works.
During the week a number of topics will be covered, like: “Things that are moving and why”, “Different kind of electrical motors”, “Basic safety working with electricity”, “What is what?” “Connect and test”, “Wheels and belts” etc. etc.
