(Correction for picture above: it's RIGHT, not left)
Goedemorgen! :)
It'a Good Morning in Dutch Language. I've decided to investigate the video entitled
BMW-Defining Innovation. (Go ahead and Youtube.)
Here goes my little investigation:
What is it?
It's about a Dutch artist whom is also a kinetic scupltor. His name is Theo Jansen (pronouns as thi-o-yan-sen). Jansen builds huge works which look very similar to the bone structures of animals. These structures are able to move using only the wind. His works are usually done on the beaches of Netherlands (Jansen's hometown).
As i would like to put it short, 'It's a fusion of art and engineering' -quoted from Wiki.
What's the history to this?
Jansen says 'The walls between art and engineering exist only in our minds'. A simple quote which simply explained the history of this art. Allow moi to ellaborate;)
Jansen has been occupied to create new forms of life since 1990. It's merely idea, passion and innovation that got him started I'd say.
Who is Theo Jansen?
Jansen began his artistic career in the 70s after leaving his studies in physics. At the same time, he was interested in aeronautics and robotics. At the beginning of the 80s, Jansen began to create algorithm programs of artificial life simulation. Jansen then began his series of kinetic sculptures 'Strandbeest,' a project which has brought him international recognition. Among other awards, Jansen has received the special jury prize in Ars Electronica 2005.
Other interesting facts?
Jansen uses yellow tubes only for his kinetic sculptor so the best part of it is these 'animals' need not feed on anything at all.
What's his next goal?
Hopefully these skeletons will improve in their survival skills by facing natural elements such as storms and water. Eventually, Jansen wants to put these skeletons out in herds on the beaches to live on their own.
--
I shall not get to the physics where i might talk about how the whole structure works because that will simply make would want to click that 'X' button on the top right of your page._.
Who would ever think of something that can bring art and engineering together. To me, Jansen's kinetic sculptor is truly a marriage between art and engineering. This is what it means to push boundaries and climb out of the box. This cannot be done without passion and hard work.
If you'd like to understand further about Jansen's kinetic scluptures, here's the link.
The first time i saw the video on 'Morpho Towers -- Two Standing Spirals' in out Creative Thinking Class, i had no idea what it was. Well, try looking at it. I'm sure at first look, you're like "What is THIS??". Actually, it reminds me a little bit about a sea anemone. In my opinion, it moves like one but in reality, it is not a living creature at all. Not even close.
The Morpho Tower is actually two ferrofluid sculptures that moves synthetically to music. This is made possible because when music is played, the magnetic field around the ferrofluid is strengthen. The shape of the ferrofluid is affected by magnetic fields around it. More information can be read from this web site http://www.kodama.hc.uec.ac.jp/spiral/
The idea of ferrofluid caught my interest. Here's a video which explains more bout ferrofluid.
We are able to see this amazing tower today thanks to this lady (claps)
Sachiko Kodama
A little bit about Sachiko Kodama.
Sachiko Kodama was born in 1970. As a child she spent a lot of time in the southernmost part of Japan. This area is rich in tropical flowers and plants, edged by the sea, and washed with warm rain. Sachiko loved art and literature from an early age, but also had a strong interest in science. After Graduating Physics course in the Faculty of Science at Hokkaido University, In 1993, Sachiko matriculated in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Tsukuba, studying Plastic Art and Mixed Media. Then she completed Master's and Doctoral Program in Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba. She studied Computer and Holography Art in her doctoral research.
theprenominals.blogspot.com, featuring,Out Of The Box, decided fortheMorpho Towers.
What is it? (i'm going to explain it briefly in points, so it can be understood clearer!) - it is mainly two Ferrofluid sculptures that moves synthetically to music - it enables artist to create dynamic sculptures with fluid materials - contain one electromagnet, and an iron core extended and sculptured - the sculptured surface was mainly made up of electronic NC lathe - movement of spikes controlled dynamically on surface by adjusting the power of electromagnet - shape of the iron body designed as helical so that the fluid can move to the top when magnetic field is strong enough - when there is no magnetic field, tower appears simple - large or small spirals depending on how strong is the magnetic field - activate analogue physical phenomena, precisely by utilizing digital metadata - the metadata consist of musical information, such as beat position, chord progression, and melody block information, and Ferrofluid control information such as, DC blast voltage and AC pattern - time when the protuberance of the spike reaches its maximum size is coincident with the beat of music - each tower's surface pulsates, like one creature calling to the other - fluid moves synthetically with music, as it breathes, and the condition of the fluid's surface emerges as autonomous and complex - harmonize several opposing properties such as hardness (iron) / softness (fluid) and freedom (desire for design) / restriction (natural powers such as gravity)
Ferrofluid
...so, what is Ferrofluid? a stable colloidal suspension of sub-domain magnetic particles in a liquid carrier. The particles, which have an average size of about 100Å (10 nm), are coated with a stabilizing dispersing agent (surfactant) which prevents particle agglomeration even when a strong magnetic field gradient is applied to the Ferrofluid. The surfactant must be matched to the carrier type and must overcome the attractive Van der Waals and magnetic forces between the particles. The colloid and thermal stabilities, crucial to many applications, are greatly influenced by the choice of the surfactant. A typical Ferrofluid may contain by volume 5% magnetic solid, 10% surfactant and 85% carrier.
..so, ever wondered basically how this theory works?
Ferrofluid is designed as a component of a device and therefore it must meet specific performance objectives of the device. The selection of Ferrofluid depends on many factors such as environments, operating life, etc.
The performance and operating life of a product that uses Ferrofluid can be significantly affected by the characteristics of the Ferrofluid. From Ferrofluid with low evaporation rate or vapor pressure to Ferrofluid with viscosity-optimized products, the characteristics of Ferrofluid can dramatically shape the capabilities of the end product.
Thermal conductivity of a Ferrofluid depends linearly on the solid loading. Fluorocarbon based Ferrofluid have the lowest thermal conductivity of all commercial Ferrofluid, therefore they are the least desirable materials for heat transfer applications.
In devices, Ferrofluid come in contact with a wide variety of materials. It is necessary to ensure that Ferrofluid are chemically compatible with these materials. Furthermore, Ferrofluid may be in contact with various types of plastics and plating materials. The surface morphology can also affect the behavior of the fluid.
Additionally, Ferrofluid may be expected to perform at temperature of 150°C continuously or 200°C intermittently, in winter conditions (-20°C) and space environments (-55°C). They may also be required to withstand nuclear radiation without breakdown.
..here's a clearer video or picture, of what is a the action of magnet on Ferrofluid?
About Sachiko Kodama? The Japanese female artist Sachiko Kodama was born in 1970. As a child she spent a lot of time in the southernmost part of Japan. This area is rich in tropical flowers and plants, edged by the sea, and washed with warm rain. Sachiko loved art and literature from an early age, but also had a strong interest in science. After Graduating Physics course in the Faculty of Science at Hokkaido University, In 1993, Sachiko matriculated in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Tsukuba, studying Plastic Art and Mixed Media. Then she completed Master's and Doctoral Program in Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba. She studied Computer and Holography Art in her doctoral research. In 2000, Sachiko began work on a Ferrofluid art project that she named "Protrude, Flow". The dynamic movement of liquids is the theme of this project. Kodama is currently an associate professor at University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo. Her work has been exhibited at Ars Electronica Center /Linz, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, Wexner Center for the Arts/Columbus, Skirball Cultural Center /Los Angeles, Science Museum/ Tokyo, The National Art Center/Tokyo.
Awards:
The 5th Media Arts Festival, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Grand Prize (Digital Art Interactive Division)2001 The 16th Digital Content Grand Prix, Digital Content Association of Japan, Art Award, 2001 Japan Information-Culture Society, Art Award 2002
Solo Exhibition: Sachiko Kodama Exhibition (Gallery Kobayashi, Tokyo) 1996 Sachiko Kodama “Breathing Chaos”(Telic Gallery, Los Angeles) 2004 Dynamic Fluid: Sachiko Kodama’s Magnetic Fluid Art Project (Science Museum, Tokyo) 2005 Sachiko Kodama "Morpho Tower" (Gallery Sakamaki, Tokyo) 2006
p/s: She's pretty awesome harh? Tell me about it.. :P
after listening, reading, and watching; ..do you think this sculpture or structure is able but designed as a building?
as i said before, why not? wanna know how, ask me! :D why? cause it's easier to explain than to type.
ThePrenominals have gone through a video of spiral- fluid like structures ( the morphing towers of Sachiko Kodama’s ), fascinated with our jaws dropped, we went through several researches to understand more about this magnificent artwork.
But of course, behold! Sachiko~
After Graduating Physics course in the Faculty of Science at Hokkaido University, In 1993, Sachiko matriculated in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Tsukuba, studying Plastic Art and Mixed Media. Also, she completed Master's and Doctoral Program in Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba. She studied Computer and Holography Art in her doctoral research.
In 2000, Sachiko began work on a ferrofluid art project that she named "Protrude, Flow". The dynamic movement of liquids is the theme of this project. Kodama is currently an associate professor at University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo. Her work has been exhibited at Ars Electronica Center /Linz, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, Wexner Center for the Arts/Columbus, Skirball Cultural Center /Los Angeles, Science Museum/ Tokyo, The National Art Center/Tokyo. (with references from kodama's website)
This is not your ordinary CG animation, these structures are real. And to our surprises they moved synthetically to the music, but it’s just an artist’s expression, the fluid doesn’t move on its own. Back to the point where we said it’s real and exists in our world, yes it does, it is a kind of fluid/oil – by the name of ‘FERROFLUID’ that can be polarized ( eg. spiking of the structure ) on a normal-field instability factor – magnetic fields are not stable due to environmental factors, like gravity and all. So now, these morphing towers are not simply generated by any magnets, but electromagnetism, strong enough to draw the magnetic fluid up the structures, varying in sizes as it approaches the tip - electromagnetic strength decreases.
Let’s cut the chase, i’ll make things a little shorter, this incredible work of Sachiko’s basically pictures the ‘Creativity’ in us – simple yet free in our imaginations, able to soar above in the blue skies, with boundless spaces for us to explore. Maybe the structure’s a fluid, but with our imaginations, nothing is impossible.
quote of the day : You have all the reason in the world to achieve your grandest dreams. Imagination plus innovation equals realization. — Denis Waitley, American personal development expert
Not just high-rising aesthetic value of products and economical breakouts that happen after this innovation, you can totally make money out of it!
Nail biter
Need a Hand?
BA'N'G
invincible bag much?
Just like any design, you can totally reuse the same element to come up with a better, greater idea, you just gotta do some dig-ups in your grey matter. Perhaps you'll get something?
Acne constantly whines about how, like... his life and everything really sucks and stuff. Usually a middle class teenager with an allowance, unlimited access to a computer and WAY too much time on his hands. Acne's vague existential arguments about the meaningless of life and emptiness of existence are culled from the lyrics of the 20 gigs of MP3s he has squirreled away from his hard drive.
Admin is the janitor, the cop, the mayor, the judge and sometimes even the forum doctor who tends to Warriors injured in battle - in other words, Nanny on steroids. Because he runs the forum and sets the rules Admin has the power to pull the plug on any Warrior who gets a little too frisky. Sometimes his efforts are appreciated, but like any authority figure he is also resented - especially by Jerk, Evil Clown, Enfant Provocateur,Ego, Rebel Without a Clue,Yuk Yuk, Troller, and other Warriors who would like to turn the forum into their personal playground. Most Admins are generally fair and even handed, but the adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely is as true on the internet as it is anywhere else, and it is a rare Admin who can resist bringing the hammer down if seriously pressed by a determined foe. Sycophant and other suckups will also attach themselves to a strong Admin to form a defensive perimeter around him, and more often than not Admin's enemies will be driven off without him ever having to brandish his ax. CAUTION: Admin is the most powerful of all Warriors and drawing him into direct battle invites almost certain defeat. Rebel Leader does pose a limited threat to Admin's power by fomenting a revolt and causing forum members to jump ship.
ALLCAPS attempts to compensate for his limited rhetorical weaponry through the extravagant use of capitalized words - something netizens refer to as SHOUTING. Sure, a sprinkling of capitalized words can add some zip to a thrust, but they should be used sparingly. Even worse from a tactical point of view, too much shouting alerts other Warriors to the opponent's verbal WEAKNESS and emotional EXCITABILITY.
Android doesn't anger, nor does he engage in actual combat, rather he will merely point out the logical inconsistencies of other Warriors. Irony and sarcasm are completely lost on Android, and being impossible to insult or injure in any way, he is invulnerable to conventional attack. If, for example, someone were to call him a pinhead, he would get out a tape measure and after finding that his cranium falls within normal size specifications. Android's circuits are not equipped to process ambiguous or aesthetic input, consequently any extensive discussion involving personal feelings, intuition, art and metaphorical allusions will quickly drive Android from the field of battle.
Archivist saves and squirrels away each and every discussion forum message. Do you remember having a bad day back in 1996 when in one of your messages you may have said a few things that were...well, perhaps a little...hasty? Don't worry, Archivist still has it and will post it to the forum if you begin to get the upper hand in battle. Archivist can be a very effective and fearsome Warrior.
Artful Dodger is a nimble and elusive Warrior. When strongly attacked he changes the subject with a diversionary counterattack. For example, if in a moment of pique his opponent refers to him to him as a "sonofabitch", Artful Dodger will not only demand a public apology for the insult to his own mother, but will castigate his opponent on behalf all mothers everywhere. Knowing full well that staying on topic works to his disadvantage, Artful Dodger will not allow himself to be pinned down.
Artistehas an unshakable faith in his own artistic gifts, and is very pleased to share them with everyone else. Frequently his own insipid poetry will appear in his email signature, and at other times, and to no apparent purpose, he will be overcome with the urge to post a poem in the midst of battle. Artiste, in his need to demonstrate his aesthetic sensitivity and cultural sophistication, will reference obscure artists to drive his point home. He assumes that the mere mention of, say, Pollaiuolo (Italian,1431 –1498), will confirm the breadth of knowledge and thereby cow his opponent in battle. Actually, he is universally regarded as a pretentious blockhead. CAUTION:Artiste often has serious mental problems and, though easily defeated in battle, may be unpredictable in defeat as well as in victory.
Atheist is Deacon's cyber-doppelganger. Deacon and Atheist hold equally fervent, though diametrically opposed beliefs about religion, and both feel compelled to share those beliefs at every possible opportunity. Should an unsuspecting forum member make even a passing comment about faith or spirituality of any flavor, Atheist will descend like one of the Furies, mercilessly hectoring all of the ignorant and delusional believers about the sordid history of the church and the pernicious effects of religion on society. After a few of Atheist’s anti-religious jeremiads most other Warriors will avoid the subject altogether, though Evil Clown may egg him on a little.
Big Cat would rather not fight...he enjoys peacefully observing forum conversations and laconically participates when the moods strikes. He playfully chases interesting threads, and from time to time uses a Newbie or Propeller head as a convenient scratching post. He enjoys being stroked or petted, and tends to purr loudly. CAUTION:Don't be fooled by his fuzzy, playful exterior. When provoked, Big Cat reacts with lightning speed and almost always lands on his feet after an attack. Big Cat often indulges himself by toying with his victim before delivering his lethal blows.
Big Dog is a bully who doesn't hesitate to use his superior strength to intimidate other combatants. Big Dog may be smart, articulate or just plain mean, but in any case he is a remorseless fighter, brutally ripping into even the weakest of combatants. Once Big Dog securely fastens his powerful jaws on a hapless victim, Me-Too will join the attack. Me-Too is far too weak and insecure to engage in single combat, and must ally himself with Big Dog or a pack of other Warriors to bring down his quarry.
Bliss Ninny doesn't understand why people just can't get along. While it is entirely unintentional, Bliss Ninny's utterly vacuous comments can drive the more pugnacious Warriors into a frenzy of aggression. Often in the heat of battle Bliss Ninny will discuss her cat.
Blowhard feels the need to present his credentials before entering the fray - even if they are irrelevant to the discussion. For example, in a movie forum conflict he might attempt to settle the matter by saying, "As a Ph. D. candidate in particle physics I believe I can say with some authority that the 'Beavis and Butthead' movie represents the emergence of a new cultural paradigm." Huh?
Is it just you or does this guy seem to babble on and on without making any sense whatsoever? Does he lurch from one non sequitur to another? Are you baffled by his obscure metaphors? Are there so many typos you think that maybe he was typing while wearing a catcher's mit? Can he really MEAN what he just said? What in the hell is hey talking about, anyway? Is this guy smoking something? Well, yes...in fact he is, and lightly tethered in orbit high above the Earth Bong remains far beyond the grasp of the even the most powerful of Warriors.
Hey hey everyone!! :D I'm back and this time, its my second post. :D
Last Friday, my dad attended his company dinner. It had a theme. Try guessing. Here's a picture to prompt you. ;)
Any ideas?? Hmm??
Well, you gussed it!! It was a Masquerade Party!! :D Cool eh.. I mean, imagine my dad and his friends in a mask. Whoa.. Unimaginable..
They also had a very good concept. Everyone who was attending was given an empty mask (a few days before) and were ask to decorate it!! :D Good idea eh??
So, imagine this again. My dad decorating a mask. Mmm.. Another interesting image. oO!! Let me show you what my dad came up with. It was quite cool lah..
oO.. My daddy's masterpiece (don't play play ;))
This mask has a thunder on the glitter part to display how 'manly' it was (hahaha.. Go daddy!!)
While i was taking pictures, i manage to persuade my younger brother to pose for me. Hehe.. Here's the picture.
I'm Ultraman. Don't mess with me. Rawr..
I've always liked the idea of a Masquerade Ball so, since my dad had the opportunity to attend one, i really really envy him. Anyway, it looks like my dad had an awesome time with his coworkers and because of that, i feel happy for him. :D
Thanks to Reuben Teo for willingly being my model after several minutes of persuasion and Mr Teo Keng Chong for helping me take the pictures!! :D Couldn't have done it without your help. :D
