Saturday, 16 May 2009

Privileged and Subordinate Positions

Video still `Pod 2 Hand 1.`

Video still `Pod 2 Hand 2`.

Ancient Chinese proverb,
`The darkest part is always directly under the lamp.`

To see this experiment click on either of these links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4hyagYK5gs&feature=PlayList&p=DCCDDD7A5F96A3C8&index=7

Friday, 15 May 2009

An Imaginary Number

Iota is the letter i in the Greek alphabet. It is used in mathematical equations that deal with Complex number systems. In these equations, either i or -i, is used to denote the ammount that is equal to the square root of minus one. The square root of minus one, if I understand what I have learned, has no numerical value, or its value cannot be calculated. That required a bit of consideration...The square root of minus one has no numerical value. (If I have got this wrong please let me know)!
A style of multi disciplinary poetry. A number with no comprehensible value , expressed as a letter, still has a vital and proven place in mathematical equations that describe the order of our Universe. I have heard many times phrases such as `...an Iota`s worth of difference`... or `I couldn`t give an Iota`... but just thought that an Iota must be a very small ammount. Not, that it is what is known as an imaginary or mysterious number, from the `Complex` rather than the `Real` number system.

I had started to crochet the project now called`Iota`, for the Drefelin Mill exhibition, and didn`t really know what they were. One day while engrossed in crocheting, and listening to the radio, I heard Marcus du Sautoy talking about the mathematics of infinity.He briefly mentioned Iota.
Revelation!
How beautiful!
That is ,of course, what I was crocheting. All linked in an extending linear system. Frilly, transparent, imaginary numbers. Perfect!
It was Dustin Hoffmans characture from that amazing film `I Heart Huckabees`, that said,
` There is no remainder in the mathematics of infinity`.
So I continued to crochet, on and on. There are about 13 lengths of Iota , each about 20 metres long. They will be on show on Iota Island from th 25th May.
We will continue to use the Iota and film to explore the concept of how the insignificant multiplies into imposing itself, to become phenomononal.

(Although it was probably some one elses original quote. The film is full of brilliant references.)

We have been experimenting with editing our first pieces of film, trying to discover techniques that express the incomprehensible and slightly ammusing elements of intense mathematical theory.
Hopefully there will be some visuals in my next entry.

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Polarising test


Having got a polarising filter off ebay in anticipation of filming Iota outdoors, thought I should test it out. The image above is a composite of 2 video stills, the lower image is with the filter.
There's a short test video here.

Saturday, 9 May 2009

Repitition of Real and Obvious movement

Another guise for the amorphic substance `The Fabric of the Universe`. To see this film, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM3k4J8Hmag&feature=channel_page


A Pod in the Hand. To see the full piece of film.http://www.youtube.com/user/PhynodereeFilms or in HD go to
http://www.vimeo.com/4562324

Exploring the symbolic language of everyday non spiritual materials and the significance of their multiplication.The dual identity of the black crocheted piece in the hand as both `Pod` and `Black Hole` is interesting. I also like the concept of using banality as counterfiction to intense science theory.The Fabric of the Universe has been in many situations, recorded by photography and film . This is the first intense experiment, in film, to examine the nature of the textile itself. The sound in both films is the original ambient sound recorded during filming. I love the timing in the `Pods` editing , nice one Jake!

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

The Symbolic Language of Non Spiritual Materials.

Bonkers Frilly Hankie!
The piece of animation below was filmed with the kind permission of Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Carmarthen, Wales.
If using a well explored technique like stop frame animation , the holistic approach to original materials and their interpretation is essential. Although this piece of animation is interesting and amusing. it`s also visually very peculiar. As a technical experiment, it is a good `sketch book`, piece, but there are issues we need to address, we need to refilm. Jake has found some appropriate `green screen` cloth for filming, which will remove the intrusive back ground. (Although the circle of reflected natural light is something I would like to work with). We also need to address the phenomenological nature of the fabrics that the piece is made from, and put the concepts that describe the piece into context. Rather than gratuitously creating a perfunctory piece of animation , I feel that this is a piece that could be developed. That`s exciting!

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Animated sequence using 99 images taken with Sony HVR-A1E video camera at Oriel Myrddin last Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Three Iota Pieces

`The Universe is an infinite sphere with it`s circumference nowhere and it`s centre everywhere`. - Pascal
Here is a link to the the first three pieces of experimental film up on Vimeo . I hope that the project will consist of hundreds of short experimental clips , with some that will be valuable finished pieces. Some, I hope to project back onto pieces of textile, to explore the possibilities of movement and optical illusion , without direct reference to linear time.
`An Alexipharmac Draught.
Take Alexiterial Milk Water 3 ounces; Epidemial, compound peony water,
syrup of Gilly-flowers, Syrup of Saffron, each 2 drams, Diascordium, 2 scruples, Goa stone 1 scruple, mix.
In suspicious ill condition`d fevers, it raises and supports the drooping spirits from the Centre to the circumfrence`.
An old venitian cure from `Remedy`, Michelle Lovric.