PAFA updates
Stephanie Alarcon
We're a month out from our March 8 go date! Are we still up for doing a
workday this weekend? Also, FYI, PAFA is open till 8pm on Wednesdays if
you want to check out the exhibit for inspiration. Monica could
probably comp admission.
The last time we met we were still a little unclear on exactly which
projects we would commit to completing. Since the time is running
pretty short, I'm going to recommend that we focus on a couple things
that we know are do-able, and the faster we get them out of the way the
more time we'll have to pick maybe one more project. If we don't
finish, no worries, we'll still have plenty to exhibit, and plenty of
time to finish the new project for Tech Week, Science Week, HOPE, and
Maker Faire.
So the projects that look most easily attainable are postcards and
invisible ink, and light graffiti. We also had a lot of different ideas
using Kinects, Processing, Open Frameworks, and sensors to make some
sort of light projection that reacts to people doing something. Matt
specifically had an idea to use microphones to turn ambient noise into a
colorful display. Turning sound into light plays off the idea of
showing the similarities among different types of energy. PJ pointed
out that this kit
(http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/MK-136/SUPER-STEREO-EAR-KIT/1.html)
does the heavy lifting for that concept. I don't think we have a clear
goal coming out of this clump of ideas, and I'm thinking maybe it makes
sense to de-prioritize it until we get light graffiti and post cards
sorted out. What does everyone think?
On that note, I started looking up invisible ink. My thought here is
that while it would be super fun to get inks and brushes, it would be
easier and less messy to simply use pens. Pens seem to run about $7-$14
each. I figure I'll order a couple colors to try out then we can order
more as needed. I haven't looked up printers who would work with
invisible ink, but there's a print shop down the street from me that
friends of mine have worked with. If we gave them what we needed to
silk screen postcards, they would probably do it for us or with us for a
reasonable rate.
Matt, would your shop be able to print postcards in part black and part
UV sensitive ink? Would it be affordable?
For light graffiti, PJ did a working proof of concept. The work
remaining is setting up a projection screen. I still sort of like the
idea of using our pop up tent draped with fabric to create a projection
surface and a little environment...maybe one with a UV lamp for checking
out invisible ink artwork?
Ok, let me know what you think and any progress you've made. Tonight
I'll order a couple of invisible ink pens.
Steph