Biophilia — Mike Dickison

Edward O. Wilson

Edward O. Wilson, a Harvard University entomologist, coined the term "biophilia", referring to humans' "love of living things" - our innate affinity with nature. Wilson describes biophilia as the "innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes."

Debate for and against the idea of biophilia and their implications can be seen in publications such as The Biophilia Hypothesis - A collection of invited papers supporting & refuting the biophilia hypothesis - edited by Kellert & Wilson

I’m interested in exploring the universality and common basis of our relationship with the environment. In particular, how do we reconcile our universal biophilia with the destructive effect we have on the natural world? I’m also interested in challenging idealised Western representations of indigenous peoples worldwide as ecological caretakers, and exploring how we can move beyond these simplistic binary oppositions to develop an environmental ethic for the 21st century.

Mike Dickison – My PhD training is in evolutionary biology, specialising in evolution of flightless birds, and the global history of extinction in general. I’ve also worked as a graphic designer and teach visual thinking techniques to scientists. PhD 2007 Duke University: The Allometry of Giant Flightless Birds. Currently employed as a learning advisor at the University of Canterbury. Commentary on science, matuaranga Maori, and the natural environment (in press) Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand

http://www.giantflightlessbirds.com

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Toothbrushes of Perception

Mr. Blue Bristlebot

Mike Paulin Associate Professor of Zoology at Otago University will talk about the beginings of perception and the evolution of the first animals and nervous systems over 500 million years ago, relating this to emergent behaviour in simple robots. He is joined by robotics educator Andrew Hornblow to lead a bristlebot workshop where you can learn how to create a small fast moving robot. Suitable for children, youth and adults. Material fees to be announced. With thanks to Greenbench.org.
Previous Toothbrushes of Perception workshop at Greenbench

Part of the Open Workshop Day at Owae Marae in Waitara on Sunday 16th January. Start time 9am.

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Pollinator Frocks Project – Karen Ingham

The Pollinator Frocks Project involves members of the public, garden lovers, and bees, butterflies, moths, flowers and plants. Frocks treated to attract pollinating insects are taken on walkabout around the city, parks and surrounds, and hung in Pukekura Park at night.

http://www.kareningham.org.uk/pollinatorfrocks.html

You are invited to participate:

Karen’s dresses will also be a part of the Festival of Lights events. Come and meet the artist and see her dresses on the below the dates. You might also spot her dresses hanging in the trees along the Festival of Lights walkway at night from 24-28 January.

Daywear for Butterflies

Daywear for Butterflies

Tuesday 18,  Thursday 20, Saturday 22 – 1pm – Meet at the Band Rotunda
If you see a lady covered in butterflies at the festival that will be Karen Ingham in her ‘Daywear for Butterflies’. Come and meet her and ask her about her dresses which are made to attract insects.

Evening wear for Moths

Tuesday 25,  Friday 28 – 8pm – Meet at the Band Rotunda
If you see a lady covered in moths at the festival that will be Karen Ingham in her ‘Evening wear for Moths’. Come and meet her and ask her about her dresses which are made to attract insects.

Fabric design 'Morning Glory, Blue Adonis and Southern Damselfly'

Karen Ingham is an artist, writer, and curator, and a Reader in Art and Science Interactions at Swansea Metropolitan University in the UK. She was born in England but now lives and works in Wales where she was awarded a PhD in 2006 with research into historical and contemporary arts and science collaborations in the anatomical theatre. She is the founder of the science, art and technology network SATnet and in 2009 and she was awarded a Major Creative Wales Arts Prize to develop new ideas around transience, synthesis and sustainability. Her work is internationally exhibited and disseminated and has been shown at the ICA London, the Berlin and Edinburgh Film Festivals, the Enter3 Festival Prague and The National Museum and Gallery of Wales amongst other venues.

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WANTED: Your Old Bikes for SCANZ 2011

We need your bikes, helmets, locks, lights, tools etc and anything else you think might be useful!

The Let’s Go project is keen for the more than 20 artists, scientists and presenters from SCANZ 2011 to go by foot, bike or bus for the duration of their stay in New Plymouth (13-30 January 2011).

Unused/unwanted bikes will be refurbished for use by our Eco sapiens guests as part of the Miniature Green Bikes scheme. On conclusion of their residency the bikes will be sold to the public, with all proceeds going to Hive Taranaki, our regional environment centre.

Three ways to donate your bike:

1. Drop off at WITT reception before January 11.
2. Drop off at New Plymouth District Council reception on Tuesday 11 January between 1-5pm.
3. Email benefieldn@npdc.govt.nz to arrange for your bike to be collected.

About Let’s Go

A package of works funded by NZTA and local partners to ‘fast track’ a community that can change travel behaviour through improved transport choices. More information about the Let’s Go project is available on the New Plymouth District Council site.

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THE REMNANT – Keith Armstrong, Leah Barclay and collaborators

In a consultation with local groups, THE REMNANT project brings forth those things that remain of earlier local ecological systems. In meditating on these remains from the past, the project allows us to also conceive ideas for how current landscapes and environments might function in the future.  Participate as part of the Festival of Lights – Wednesday 19th, Thursday 20th – 1pm – meet at the Band Rotunda.

Leah Barclay has been recognised as one of the most promising Australian composers of her generation. Since graduating from the Queensland Conservatorium, she has performed, published and produced commissioned works across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe, India and Korea. Her dynamic work has resulted in numerous awards, including the 2009 Asialink Performing Artist Residency at Art Centre Nabi in Seoul, South Korea and the inaugural Premier of Queensland’s National New Media Art Scholarship. http://leahbarclay.com

http://www.embodiedmedia.com/#/page/artlab-remnant-emergency

What was the Taranaki landscape like in times past and how might the environment work in the future?  Join Keith Armstrong Leah Barclay and collaborators to share your memories and ideas.

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Incompatible Elements – Josephine Starrs & Leon Cmielewski

downstream installation: Australian Embassy Gallery, Washington DC, USA, September, 2009

The failure of nations to reach an agreement at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen last year has highlighted a huge gap between scientific consensus and public perceptions of climate change.

Downstream is a media art installation, which explores ways of representing the relationship between nature and culture. Employing poetic texts embedded into animated satellite images of landscapes at particular risk, it responds to the effects of climate change in ways that are mythical, biblical and chemical.

The work involves large screen installations which combine satellite imagery with local imagery and views of river systems threatened by global warming.
Downstream documentation

Leon Cmielewski and Josephine Starrs are Australian artists whose video and new media works have been shown extensively in Australia and internationally. They have created numerous projects including Seeker an installation that explores issues of migration, territorial boundaries, conflict commodities and human displacement. Seeker won an Award of Distinction in Interactive Art from the 2007 Prix Ars Electronica, Austria. Other work includes a.k.a. a video about universal surveillance, the Trace interactive installation, Bio-Tek Kitchen a computer game patch, Dream Kitchen an interactive stop-motion animation and Floating Territories a game art installation. They have been invited to participate in several international residency programs including Banff, Canada 1998, Sarai, New Delhi, India, 2006 and the Future Lab, Linz, Austria, 2009.

http://lx.sysx.org

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Biomodd Workshop — Materials & Organising

Biomodd Phillipines workshop

The result of the (much longer) Phillipines Biomodd workshop.

Below is a list of all the materials and space requirements for the Biomodd workshop. To make it a little more fun for ourselves, we thought we’d keep a tally on the site, crossing things off as we go. It’s also a way to gather input, and give credit to anyone who might donate materials, space, or advice on sourcing these items. So here you go, and comments are welcome!

1. MATERIALS REQUIRED

1.1. Materials to be gathered locally

Used computers and computer components:
1.    average of 1 to 2 used computers per 3 participants
2.    computer specs: Pentium IV or higher, min. 512MB RAM, min. 20GB hard drive, min. 64MB video card, monitor, keyboard, mouse
3.    computers can be partly broken, but in this case it is advised to have a supply of used computer components such as RAM, hard drives, video cards, etc.

Running report:
Hard drives – 4 collected so far — 1 of which is confirmed as a Penitium IV, 2 of which whose motherboards have blown. Owners only request that any hd’s are reformatted/info wiped.
Monitors – 2 collected — 1 flat, 2 crt’s.

Tools:
1.    basic tool set: screwdrivers (large and small), long-nose pliers, hammer, drill, snap-off blade utility knives, scissors
2.    tools for putting things together: rope, twine,  adhesives (glue, paste, packing tape, duct tape), glue gun, nails, screws
3.    soldering iron and solder

Running report:
Much of this can be supplied by ourselves or WITT

Plants:
1. especially local plants, and plants that can be grown in small containers
1. small containers to grow them in… ;)

Need to find local places to request.

Lights:
1.    allot 1 (second-hand) light for every 2 participants

Tables:
1.    allot 1 table and 2 chairs for every 2 participants

1.2. Materials provided by the workshop leaders

Angelo will bring:
1.    1 water-cooled computer (motherboard with water block, water pump, radiator, tubing, RAM, hard drive)
2.    case-modding lights
3.    Torx screwdriver set

Further needed:
1.    Arduino boards, assorted sensors, assorted actuators*
2.    conductive fabric
*If the production budget allows for that.

4 Arduino controllers and basic equipment (sensors, actuators, electronic components)
Expendables (nails, screws, tape, glue, cable ties, small, computer components)

2. WORKSHOP SPACE ORGANIZATION

2.1. Duration
Min. 5 days, max. 2 weeks.

2.2. Participants
Number: max. of 25
Age: above 14
Experience: no previous experience needed, but preferably an interest in at least plants, biology, electronics and/or computers

2.3. Space requirements
Size: min. 30 m2
Availability: materials have to stay in place throughout the whole workshop
Security: possibility to lock and secure the space overnight
Internet access: at least one Internet access point is crucial for the workshop
Water supply: nearby water supply is needed to take care of plants and algae

2.4. Local resources
Please make sure that the workshop is organized in a location with access to:
1.    thrift stores
2.    hardware stores
3.    computer stores

2.5. Post-workshop exhibit
The result of the workshop can be exhibited as an installation. See this photo of the Biomodd Workshop Sint-Niklaas for an example of that.

2.6. End
At the end of the workshop as many components should be re-used or recycled as possible. For re-use, participants can take home components or pieces can be sold or donated to thrift stores. All used plants should be brought back to nature or adopted by the participants.

In case the workshop/exhibit takes longer than the stay of the artists, KIBLA is responsible for taking down and recycling the installation.

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Creative Bike Workshops — Ideas Page

Interested to join for a creative workshop as part of the Miniature Green Bikes scheme, and need some ideas for what you could do? Just for your inspiration, below are some of the crazy things going on out there.

If you already have your own project going on, or know of others who have, ask them to come along and share their work and ideas.

Feel free to email Jonah with your ideas, and/or to add links to further ideas in the comments below.

Bike Trailors

What can be seen here is people asking,

You can carry anything in one of these handy and sturdy bike trailors. Jonah can show you how to build a lightweight bamboo one, so that you too can compete to see how much you can fit into your trailor…

Pedal-powered Blenders

Example bike blenders

Example bike blenders

Pedal-powered goodness! Find out how to add a blender to your bike so to make a healthy meal on the run. If interested, please let Jonah & Dhyana know via the workshop registration form.

Glowing Bikes

Some ideas for how to make your bike glow

Got an idea for some tricky use of your own kinetic or maybe solar energy to light you up in style? Or maybe just creative use of reflective tape? Bring along some of the gear you have in mind, and lets get started…! Here are some similar ideas being demonstrated:

Laughing Bikes

We love this one… “Soundbike, is a concept product designed by Jessica Thompson. The unit attaches to the rear of a bike frame, and produces peals of laughter as you pedal. The faster you go, the louder and wilder the laughter gets, until it reaches the fever-pitch of a raging lunatic as you race down hills.” For more information, see:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/12/08/soundbike-puts-laughter-on-the-road/

Singing Bikes

Singing bikes & symphonies... of course.. !

“Symphony for Singing Bicycles” by Godfried-Willem Raes
http://www.logosfoundation.org/scores_gwr/singbikes.html

Mad, Mad Rides

Some more mad rides...

Pure madness. If you want to go all out maybe you could think about an er…. equestrian smoothie maker? Or maybe a glowing double-decker demon? Biking glory could be yours.

Please say hello!

If you have an idea to discuss or are just interested to join, please let Jonah know either via the workshop registration form, or by emailing him directly.

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Slow Flow – Te Ia Kōrero – Julian Priest & Greenbench

Partner Project

Slowflow invites artists, technologists and environmentalists on a journey down the Whanganui River by double hulled 22 person waka haurua (canoe) and bicycle, creating a setting for a flow of conversations – Te Ia Kōrero. Slowflow imagines living in a post carbon future where physical transport has slowed to human speed, energy use is constrained and renewable, production is collaborative and relocalised. First held in 2009, the 2011 event will be the third journey to-date and will immediately follow the SCANZ 2011 residency. Please contact Julian and Greenbench for further information at i n f o at greenbench . o r g.

Slow Flow – Te Ia Kōrero

Julian Priest is an artist and independent researcher living and working in New Zealand. He was co-founder of early wireless free network community Consume.net in London U.K.. He became an activist and advocate for the free networking movement and has pursued wireless networking as a theme in fields of arts, development, and policy. Since 2005 he has developed an artistic practice around participatory and collaborative forms and has shown works internationally in the U.K., Latvia, Germany and New Zealand. He has worked with students and been peer advisor at the Banff New Media Institute in Canada. Priest is currently focused on art practice and his current interests are around the physical and cultural boundaries between technology and the environment.

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Biomodd Presentation – Angelo Vermeulen

Biomodd Phillipines workshop

Biomodd Phillipines workshop

In this artist talk Angelo Vermeulen will present his biology-inspired works. He will focus on Biomodd, a worldwide cross-cultural installation project in which ecology, community building, and case modding creatively converge. The first version was created at The Aesthetic Technologies Lab in Athens, Ohio between 2007 and 2008. In October 2009, the project’s second iteration in the Philippines was finalized after an 8-month long collaboration with a team of over 50 Filipino artists, scientists, engineers, gamers, craftsmen, volunteers and students. Future versions are planned in Singapore and Brazil. During the talk, Biomodd will be elaborated upon using video excerpts, photos, work sketches and participant testimonies. Vermeulen will also introduce Corrupted C#n#m#, his most recent art project set up in collaboration with FLUXspace in Philadelphia, FoAM and Sound Image Culture in Brussels. The work deals with biological infected electronics, glitch art, and the physicality of digital media.

Pecha Kucha Maastricht

Angelo Vermeulen is a visual artist, filmmaker, biologist, author, activist, and DJ. His research in ecology, environmental pollution and teratology informs his art, which includes bio installations, experimental setups incorporating living organisms and sci-fi references. His projects include ‘Blue Shift’, a Darwinian art project in collaboration with biologist Prof. Luc De Meester, and ‘Biomodd’, a worldwide series of cross-cultural, symbiotic installations fusing game culture, ecology and social interaction. Next to developing a new experimental cinema project based on biologically infected electronics, he currently also collaborates with the MELiSSA life support division of the European Space Agency. Vermeulen co-authored the book ‘Baudelaire in Cyberspace: Dialogues on Art, Science and Digital Culture’, with art philosopher Antoon Van den Braembussche, and lectures throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.

http://www.angelovermeulen.net

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