Nick Laessing
Free Energy
July 2009

Throughout July, Nick Laessing will be resident in the SPACE medialab exploring the free-energy movement in the UK and how this growing trend towards exploring unconventional ways of making energy can be seen as a reflection of our present political and environmental situation. Nick will be interviewing inventors, scientists and researchers and gain an understanding of their motivations and progress, focusing on the human element behind their work and to understand the culture surrounding alternative and free energy research.

As part of his residency Nick will be conducting an artists talk in September (date TBC.)

Nick was selected from an open submission by Jamie Wylde (Director, Lighthouse, Brighton), Paula Orrell (Curator, Plymouth Arts Centre) and Jim Prevett (Emergent Technologies Producer, SPACE media).

Simon Blackmore was the first resident artist on the PermaCultures Programme and was at SPACE  during March 2009.

Simon makes performative sculptures and installations using sound and custom-made technology that explore the relationship between the physical and digital. Simon also works with the Owl Project - a collaborative group of Manchester based artists who share interests in human interaction with technology and process-led art.

During his time at SPACE Simon developed a drawing machine out of open-source hardware. He constructed a machine to move a small LED accurately through space. To the naked eye this looks simply like a light moving, however long exposure photographsl reveal complex 3-Dimensional forms. The resulting 'light tracings' become a range of plant structures generated through mathematic procedures and influenced by electro magnetic activity. The work offers a visualisation of the flow of data within a given space.
The project is based around a range of open-source hardware and software and includes a RepRap, a self-replicating machine that can be used for rapid prototyping and manufacturing.

To view details of the open studios PermaCultures Event click here
 
More information:
http://www.simonblackmore.net
http://www.owlproject.com
 

A site to gather the wealth of dispersed resources and experience to help artists and organisations learn from each other.

Collectively we have the beginnings of a useful resource of opinions, thought and ideas around how people engage in complex projects around art, technology and social change. Come and add to that resource, tell people how you learnt your lessons, how you understand participation and what we can all do better. If you have suggestions about anything then post them up!

Currently there is a case study from 'The Not Quite Yet', artists interviews, extensive texts, short thoughts and questions and a growing list of resources. Join us and share your knowledge. Visit  http://co-pilot.net

Open Call: Deadline 5pm Monday 23rd March 2009

A 4-week residency for artists and technologists at SPACE on Mare Street in Hackney during Summer 2009.