General Timeline

(NOTE: Due to the casual and personal nature of some of the discussion that took place in the Google Group, the entire transcript will not be posted. The transcript itself is available upon request.)

Part 1: Confusion and Brainstorming

            In the first chunk of the project’s time, our group began to brainstorm ideas for the project. Would we attach an audio exciter to a glass bell? Would we cover a dancer in lights and create a system of choreographed movements? Would we combine bells and solenoids to create a visual and audible landscape? This was the week we tussled with the scope of the project— how far were we able to go with the time allotted? It was also during this time that we learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and began to first grow as a team.
             NOTABLE MOMENTS/QUOTATIONS: 

             • "Do you guys have any ideas for the systems project? We have to be
realistic, and do with the resources we have among the 4 of us." (October 5th)
             • "Orb-like glass objects, using audio exciter to for lights  as bells
and could be projected onto a surface. Rythym to lights..." (October 11th)

Part 2: Focusing In on a Winning Point

            While sadly we had to bid farewell to Jenene Castle, we were still charged when we found and settled-upon a new direction for the piece— a commentary on childhood and the role that systems/electronics play in it. Though at the time we did not have a clear idea of exactly what parts and pieces would be involved, we had a general sense of what our piece would mean and represent. With that in mind we began drafting ideas for an art piece that would encapsulate our new direction.
             NOTABLE MOMENTS/QUOTATIONS:
             • "I believe we can pull this project off in a 3 person group... Planning and constant communication is the key to making time..." (Ivan, October 26th)
             • First Draft of Audio for the piece: http://www.mediafire.com/?r93xpa5eh5y99s7 (October 30th)

Part 3: Increased Development and Productivity

            The next chunk of our time together involved a great deal of focus on the physical manifestation of our idea. The first audio piece for the project was created, and the first sketches and materials-lists were compiled. We settled on a rather elaborate piece that involved the use of gravity/potential energy, thinly blown glass to represent fragility, and an audio exciter to pipe in unsettling audio.
             NOTABLE MOMENTS/QUOTATIONS:

             • Sketches and Concept Art of the piece emerge (this list includes later developments) :
                          ° http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j168/zoupzuop2/?action=view&current=Photoon11-4-11at640PM.jpg
                          ° http://sjsudigitalglass.googlegroups.com/attach/f43f7053c654fab4/photo.JPG?view=1&part=2&hl=en

http://sjsudigitalglass.googlegroups.com/attach/f43f7053c654fab4/photo.JPG?view=1&part=2&hl=en
                          ° http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j168/zoupzuop2/?action=view&current=Photoon11-18-11at1219PM.jpg
                          ° http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j168/zoupzuop2/?action=view&current=Photoon11-18-11at1219PM2.jpg

Part 4: Miscommunication and Stumbling

            At this point a decision was made to change the direction of the piece. Loose use of confirmations for one project was taken to mean confirmation for both, and work split into two directions. It was also during this period of time in which Ivan sadly injured himself in a martial arts tournament, so whatever progress had taken place began to slow for the week. When asked to present either piece, we found ourselves inadequately prepared for either. Frustrated with the lack of communication, the team knuckled down, came together, and agreed unanimously on an approach that involved a very specific set of materials and elements.
             NOTABLE MOMENTS/QUOTATIONS:

            • "I wish we could have met sooner because in junction with the crib idea, I
found that the audio exciter works very well on a spring mattress..."(November 11th)
            • "First I must begin with an immense apology... Frustrated as I was it was neither my intention nor my place to give you disrespect." (November 17th)
            • "...just slapping an audio exciter into the project was not enough." (November 19th)
            • Updated Audio for the piece: http://www.mediafire.com/?kmsg441fv5dlitz
(November 18th) 

Part 5: Improved Focus and Less Stress

            With the new model of the project now largely complete, the next presentation with the instructors demonstrated… that we had taken on too much! The use of fewer elements would have accomplished the same goal, without requiring such a large amount of effort from a group with less manpower than the rest of the project’s groups. We immediately began to narrow the required elements down to a simple yet effective list that expressed the meaning of the piece while remaining simple to work with and display.

Part 6: One Last Surprise and the Final Presentation

            Our first display of the finished piece was underwhelming. The system, while present and expressive, was underwhelming in its delivery. Immediately we set forth on improving the potency of the piece, through the use of an additional geared motor, an amplifier/volume doubler for the audio exciter, and a larger presence of wires and machinery in the visual facet of the piece. Additionally, the inside of the piece itself grew simpler and more effective as we took feedback/advice from the first demonstration and simplified the contents. All that remained was some minor fine-tuning, some quick thinking with materials, and… the piece that stands before many in the gallery reflects the fruits of such labor. With improved aesthetics and potency, this piece is an expressive exception amongst its peers and stands proud as a work of art.

              NOTABLE MOMENTS/QUOTATIONS:

              • "If we are to comment on the fragility of children and the impact of machines/
technology, these modifications will streamline the work into simple
and effective steps that will make the piece less subtle." (December 9th)
              • Final version of Audio: http://www.mediafire.com/?whp5ti2ahokhg59