Creating New Spaces

Robin Petterd

Explore the practice of creating media art installations with The Creating New Spaces podcast. Join host Robin Petterd as he engages in dialogues with creatives who transform physical spaces and objects through technology. The podcast is designed for creatives who are interested in the intersection of technology and physical spaces, and people who are fascinated by experimental art practice. If you want to be part of our conversation, reach out to us. We're eager to hear your thoughts and ideas, and to share in your creative explorations. read less
ArtsArts
Creating reflective spaces with Nora Gibson
Sep 22 2023
Creating reflective spaces with Nora Gibson
In this interview, Nora Gibson discusses her interactive installation called 'the dream'. Participants in 'the dream' wear EEG headsets to animate a particle system that is projected onto translucent screens in a room bathed in pale blue light. Nora’s background is in contemporary ballet and choreography. During the conversation some of the topics that are explored are interactive works as a way of  providing feedback to participants,  the interconnectedness between audience members, as well as how interactive works are systems for people to experience. 'the dream' has recently been featured in Ars Electronica.   Highlights (0:00:00) Choreography vs interactive installations (0:02:20) Description of ‘the dream’ installation (0:06:25) Audience response to ‘the dream’ (0:08:29) Core ideas explored in the piece (0:11:00) Personal reflection and enrichment in creating the installation (0:14:03) Art as a tool for learning and growth (0:15:00) Transition from ballet to installation practice (0:17:49) Using participants' bodies in the installation (0:18:07) Shifting focus from the performer to the experience (0:18:49) Redefining virtuosity in coding and conveying messages effectively (0:20:32) Process of creating ‘the dream’ piece and experimenting with visuals (0:22:25) Using organic and natural visuals in the piece (0:23:58) Embracing recycled ideas and having a unique message (0:24:37) Differences between creating an interactive installation and choreographing (0:27:30) Finding freedom and a different perspective through interactive work (0:27:33) Augmenting the experience with sound and live experimentation (0:30:19) Advice for others: Use tools to communicate your message effectively About Nora Gibson   Nora Gibson trained in ballet at the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she studied under renowned mentors including Sylvester Campbell of the DutchNational Ballet. Nora further honed her skills at Chautauqua and NCSA, and earned a BFA from Tisch at NYU. She has danced for multiple companies including the Ellicott City Ballet Guild, PATH Dance Company, ClancyWorks Dance, and Andrew Marcus Dance, and has collaborated with iconic choreographer Lucinda Childs.  Fora decade, Nora led the Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet, a Philadelphia-basedcontemporary ballet company. She gained critical acclaim and presented her workat prestigious venues such as the Franklin Institute. This included discussingher groundbreaking dome ballet, MANDALA, at the TouchDesigner summit at MUTEK in Montreal in 2018. Asan educator, Nora has designed courses that range from ballet to digital art,and has taught at institutions such as Temple University and the University ofthe Arts. She received the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2018 for her work atTemple University.  Norahas transitioned from choreography to digital practice. Her digital creationshave been featured at international platforms such as Ars Electronica and the Hexagram Network,  Online Global Gallery, Contemporary & Digital ArtFair, Lightbox, and Urban Screens Production.     Links from the podcast Learn more about 'the dream'Follow Nora Gibson on InstagramVisit Nora Gibson website
Creating site specific installations with Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøm
Aug 13 2023
Creating site specific installations with Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøm
In this interview, Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøm is talking about the creation of a site-specific installation called The Receiver. His works explore our sensory perception and the limitations of our senses. His pieces are often site-specific. Highlights  (0:00:00) Prototyping site-specific work  (0:00:51 ) Description of the "The Receiver" installation and its sensory experience  (0:03:12)  How the space for the installation was chosen  (0:06:25)  The process of levelling up and down the frequencies in the silo  (0:07:08)  Collaboration with Bang Olufsen (0:09:18)  Challenges of planning and prototyping the installation  (0:11:48) The messy process of refining the concept and technology  (0:15:55)  Overcoming safety and logistical challenges  (0:18:21) Advice for working with site-specific art  About Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøm Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøn is an artist and composer from Copenhagen. Christian has presented his works at galleries, museums, festivals, and concert spaces throughout the world, including Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Mois Multi in Quebec Canada, A plus A Gallery in Venice, Műcsarnok Kunsthalle Budapest, Sound Reasons in New Delhi, Skan II / Skanu Mežs in Riga, Üle Heli in Tallinn, Ostrava Days in Czech Republic, Ultima in Oslo, Overgaden - Institute of Contemporary Art in Copenhagen and Museum of Contemporary Art Denmark.   Christian’s work has been awarded by Prix Ars Electronica, Japan Media Arts Festival, Edigma Semibreve and Carl Nielsen and Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen’s Foundation, and he holds a Master's degree from the Royal Academy of Music in Denmark.   Links from the podcast   Learn more about The Receiver Visit Christian Skjødt Hasselstrøn’s website Learn more about Struer Tracks – Biennial for Sound and Listening
The collaborative process behind Alluvial Gold with Louise Devenish and Stuart James
Jul 12 2023
The collaborative process behind Alluvial Gold with Louise Devenish and Stuart James
In this interview Louise Devenish and Stuart James are talking about making 'Alluvial Gold,’ which exists both as an art installation and as a concert performance. It’s created by Louise Devenish and percussionist, visual artist Erin Coates and composer Stuart James. Erin was not available to join in the conversation. The interview explores collaboration and the challenges of remote collaboration.   Highlights  (0:00:00) Making creative collaboration work  (0:02:01) Explanation of Alluvial Gold and its themes (0:05:52) Integration of themes into the sound and visuals (0:09:46) The collaborative process and challenges of remote collaboration (0:12:56) Physicality and spatial aspects of the performance (0:19:25) Challenges faced during the project (0:23:50) Playing the space as a percussionist (0:28:27) Advice for creatives embarking on a similar journey About Erin Coates Erin Coates is a visual artist and creative producer based in Perth, Australia. Her work, spanning drawing, sculpture and film, explores the limits of the human body in various environments, influenced by her background in rock climbing and freediving. Erin’s recent work presents hybrid forms merging human elements with Australia's unique marine and estuarine life forms, speculating on potential post-human futures. Her work has been displayed in galleries and film festivals, both locally and internationally, including the 23rd Biennale of Sydney, the Adelaide Biennial, the Hiroshima Museum of Contemporary Art , and The National: New Australian Art. Erin is represented by Moore Contemporary; she holds a masters in fine arts from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada​.  Visit Erin’s website About Louise Devenish Louise Devenish is a percussionist based in Australia. Her creative work merges performance, artistic research and collaborative interactions. Louise is a champion of new music; she has commissioned over 50 works for percussion and has performed extensively in ensembles like Decibel and The Sound Collectors Lab. Currently, she is a senior research fellow undertaking an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellowship at Monash University, where she also directs The Sound Collectors Lab and serves as percussion coordinator. Louise’s performances, recognised for their virtuosity, are featured on international labels such as HatArt and Immediata. She has been honoured with a Churchill fellowship and multiple APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards, and holds a doctorate in music.   Visit Louise’s website About Stuart James  Stuart James is a composer, sound artist, and producer based in Australia. He is a founding member of the Decibel New Music ensemble, and a lecturer in the Composition and Music Technology Program at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Stuart’s interests include spatial audio, spectral synthesis, and wave terrain synthesis. His recent work, supported by an Edith Cowan research grant, explores the potential uses of 3D sound to aid human navigation and the opportunities that emerging technologies present for exploring virtual environments​​. Stuart completed his doctoral research in the field of music technology.  Visit Stuart’s website   Links from the podcast  Learn more about Alluvial GoldWatch a recording of Alluvial GoldRead Louise’s article on Instrumental infrastructure, instrumental sculpture and instrumental scores: a post-instrumental practice
The process of creating living computers with Michael Sedbon
Jul 12 2023
The process of creating living computers with Michael Sedbon
In this interview Michael Sedbon is talking about the making of Cryptographic Beings installation. The conversation explores the difference between working with biology and engineered digital technology, prototyping and learning.  Highlights (0:00:00) The control you have over biology (0:01:08) Introduction to the Crypto Being installation (0:02:51) The slow movement of the algae in the installation (0:04:35) The idea for the piece and the behaviour of the algae (0:06:23) Michael shifting perceptions through studying life science (0:08:26) The process of creating the installation (0:11:59) The challenges of working with living organisms (0:14:51) The prototype nature of the installation (0:16:26) Comparing commercial design work to artistic work (0:19:21) Getting started in living computation or computation About Michael Sedbon Michael Sedbon is a Paris-based artist, and life science researcher. Michael’s work investigates the convergence of digital technologies with non-human intelligence, exploring the impact on societies and environments. He constructs bio-computers, investigating the interface between biology and computer science. Michael has received notable recognition, including the Bio Arts and Design Award, the Falling Walls Art and Science Breakthrough, and was shortlisted for the Lumen Prize​. His work has been exhibited globally, and he has participated in esteemed residencies​​. Michael holds a masters in interaction design and is studying synthetic and system biology​​. Links from the podcast Learn more about CryptographicVisit Michael Sedbon’s websiteConnect with Michael Sedbon on Instagram
Prototyping and iterating during the making of Schwister with Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield
Jul 4 2023
Prototyping and iterating during the making of Schwister with Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield
In this interview Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield are talking about the making of a physical game called Schwister. The conversation explores the cross over between branding work  and experimental work, constraints and prototyping.  Highlights (0:00:00) Play testing (0:01:21) Introduction to the game Schwister and its experience for players. (0:02:24) The idea for Schwister came from a commission for Absolut Vodka. (0:04:02 )The process of exploring ideas and tinkering with the game. (0:05:49) The collaboration process and the use of iPad prototypes. (0:08:09) Building a prototype on the iPad using Max MSP and Mira. (0:09:45) Streamlining the technical solution for efficiency and portability. (0:11:51) Observing how people interact with the game and learning from it. (0:14:00) Adjusting sensitivity and logistics for smoother presentations. About Kyle Duffield Kyle Duffield is a Toronto-based interactive experience design professional who creates immersive interactive installations and brand activations. Kyle’s expertise spans audio, video, creative coding, electronics, and interaction design with the intent of bringing play and multi-sensory spectacle to public spaces. As an educator, Kyle has facilitated interactive media courses and workshops with various institutions, galleries, and universities across North America, the UK, Shanghai and online. Currently, Kyle is a Cycling '74 Max Certified Trainer, and is focusing on creating unforgettable technological experiences. About Daniele Hopkins Daniele Hopkins is a Toronto-based intermedia artist and the Executive Director of Electric Perfume, an experiential arts hub. She curates showcases, facilitates learning opportunities, and develops interactive projects for various events and clients. Her work explores intersections of nature, technology, sound, and interactivity. Daniele is passionate about teaching and mentorship and has served on the board of directors for Musicworks Magazine, The Hand-Eye Society, and Gallery X Scarborough. About Electric Perfume Electric Perfume artists, Daniele Hopkins and Kyle Duffield, have worked together for over a decade making immersive projects in a variety of mediums. Through Electric Perfume, they create and curate multisensory interactive social experiences in the form of events, activations, public art, gamified solutions, technical consultancy, and workshops. Electric Perfume has functioned as a creative studio and gallery space located in Toronto, curating over 150 public events consisting of exhibitions, festivals, performances, screenings, workshops, socials, and meetups. Hopkins and Duffield are always excited to be taking on new challenges, learning and merging new technologies, and love creating and showcasing alongside cool new friends!   Links from the podcast Learn more about SchwisterVisit Kyle Duffield’s websiteConnect with Daniele Hopkins on InstagramVisit the Electric Perfume website