Instructor: Aki Miyoshi
E-Mail: miyos at reed dot edu
Meeting times: T & TH 13:10-16:00
Office hours: M 3:00pm - 4:00pm or by appointment


Schedule (Bookmark this page): http://people.reed.edu/~miyos/F07/Digi2/dm2_schedule.html

Course Description: With basic familiarity with the digital environment, we will explore the use of the moving image, digital video, and interactivity as related to art. Students will be exposed to the concepts and visual strategies surrounding digital media, and techniques of 1) non-linear non-destructive video editing and 2) interactivity. We will look at the various ways in which artists employ these technologies and tools into their works through theoretical readings, class discussions, and slide presentations.

First, students will deal with video as a medium as practiced in art (video art) and learn basic editing skills. Projects will be executed using Final Cut Pro.

Then, we will take apart and re-examine video and video art and the tools artist use to edit video in an attempt to expand our visual strategies. Students will learn how to treat video (both recorded and live) as raw data along with data from other sources (for example, sensors). Students will be exposed to a graphical programming environment for video, music and data: Max/MSP/Jitter

Recommended Text:
Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science, and Technology (Leonardo) by Stephen Wilson
Digital Currents: Art in the Electronic Age by Margot Lovejoy

I may assign readings from these books, but at the same time, I would like you to use these books as 'references'. Browse through the book and look at the artists or art that interests you.

Materials:
Evaluation: Come to class. Participate. Work in class. Work out of class. Read. Be responsible. Hand assignments in on time.... Make work. Make work for your self (not for your instructor). Think. Thoughtful work is good. Craft is important.

Work Time: Be prepared to work every class. You will be expected to spend significant time outside of class to complete your projects.

Equipment Checkout: You may checkout equipment during class time (from your instructor), or during lab business hours (from Digital Media Assistant -- Todd Johnson) M, W, F: 9 - 5pm and T, TH: 9 - 12pm

On Assignments: As this is an introductory class and digital media being technical in nature, the assignments tend to be...technical. This is my way of making you do new things and have you learn the craft. But don't forget, be creative, be provocative, be thoughtful! In the end, thats what art is about... Challenge yourself within the technical limitations given in the assignments.

On Art: Art is not entertainment. You will be asked to look carefully and closely. We will spend many hours watching video. Your patience will be tested. Again, Art is not entertainment and video is especially difficult as your commitment (or lack there of) will be exposed. But, unlike any other media, I find that students mature rapidly with video (= it's tough but rewarding).

References:
The New Media Reader by Noah (edt) Wardrip-Fruin
A History of Video Art: The Development of Form and Function by Chris Meigh-andrews
Illuminating Video: An Essential Guide to Video Art by Doug Hall

Tools for Thought: The History and Future of Mind-Expanding Technology by Howard Rheingold
Godel, Escher, Bach by Douglas R. Hofstadter
How to Survive a Robot Uprising: Tips on Defending Yourself Against the Coming Rebellion by Daniel H. Wilson

DV Filmmaking: From Start to Finish by Ian Aronson