Studio in Creative Tech

This week i spent time finalizing a mirror handle design. I took the design to Illustrator and recreated it with the skills that I had. I decided to laser cut the prototype in card board so that I could manage for potential mistake. During my time cutting and making my mirror I decided on using base wood. I also tested both leather and acrylic to see what I wanted to use for the final design. In the design I choose the Adrinkin ( AYA = I am not afraid of you) Fern symbol which stands for endurance and resourcefulness. Adinkra dictionary definition: “ the fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. An individual who wears this symbol suggests he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty. ” The symbol is one of fifty three symbols that has survived from the Akan people, now the West African ethnic group of people from Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It was worn by individuals “who were defiant in times of difficulty, displayed hardness and perseve...

This week I was able to get all of my electronic components prepped for them to be included into the plan for my mirror. I received helped from David which was very helpful because he helped me get started programming my neo-pixels. I used a 24 be-pixel ring, uno Arduino, mic sensor, and a mini breadboard. The change in planned materials may affect the engineering of my project.  I was able to get my neo-pixels programmed to the point where  all of the pixels light up in blue when the microphone picks up different levels of amplitude. This next up coming week, I am going to be testing different lotus reiterations, the shape of the mirror, and finding constructive ways to conceal the Uno Arduino. via GIPHY

This week's update is pretty short: I took the time to order the rest of my materials for my project. I ordered: Flora Board Microphone sensor I began outlining potential shapes for my mirror, by making various outlines for it. In class Monday, while I wait for my materials to arrive, I will test out different mirror outline, that I would be interest in. Contact update:  I am still in the process of getting in contact with Mr. Biggers to ask for certain permissions and if this concept/project could be used in Harlem. Classroom Feedback: I decided too change my micro controller to a Flora, instead of Gemma 0, since I have more experience with flora and it is possible for it to be support the microphone and the Neopixel ring. Also, I am super appreciative of Erin providing me with a be-pixel rings, which is one less material that I have to purchase and wait on. Now that I have the main components to test the interactive part of my project, I will waste less time waiting...

This week I took the time to make several sketches of the different types of hand held LED mirrors that I construct for my project. I wanted to get the general shape of it so that I could get it cut out in wood using illustrator. I also decided last week that  I want my piece to be like a hand held mirror based on the African goddess Oshun. Picture from: http://www.cantinhodefrancisco.com.br/2016/12/lenda-do-ipete-de-oxum.html Oshun is considered The Mother of African Sweetness or Fresh Water. This relates to the idea of replanting roots through original African tradition. Oshun is displayed in many ways, but she is known for healing the sick, cheering the sad , bringing music and dancing, and fertility and prosperity. Prosperity and fertility are not reduced to specific acts, but instead she brings whatever is lack to her children (those with parents and those who have been orphaned ). All of this creates a spiritual connection to the original intention of the mirr...

This week I dedicated my time to collecting different projects that used a sound sensor and LEDs  ( neopixels) to get an idea of what type of code syntax I would need to use for my project. I looked into controlling for lux, but it seems that  the equipment as well as that particular goal would be a little more than I could handle for this project that is due in about a month. Hopefully through free time I can add this idea to my project further dow the line when I have the time. I looked through several examples of projects and codes used that other people provided on the internet (i.e. Youtube, Instructables, and Adafruit) . I believe the thing that took me the longest was getting my keyword search, which is like any research  I found several pieces for code that I can use with a Neopixel with the help of Adafruit and Instructables. I have not purchased my kit yet, becuase I want to make sure I know exactly what I am doing for my project. My project i...

I am beginning to narrow down my ideas and concept for my final project. I’ve decided, I want my piece  to be about bringing awareness to the black community about mental health. Its not commoner mental health be address in the Black community. Ironically, we suffer the worst because we are forced to deal with systematic and social oppressions , and do not seek help leading to the self destruction due to their circumstances. The afrofuturism design that I choose was created by Sanford Biggers called Lotus . If you look closely the image is a 18th century slave cargo ship copied and multiplied to create a flower. From far away it looks like an image that symbolizes beauty, grace, love, and more but when you look up close you can see how slaves were systematically crammed into a boat to the fullest capacity. Kings, queens, and other important people resided on these cargo ships (see below) . Only the strongest survived which is the social reality for most black people in modern...