We have created around 8 clips of our practices. Each clip was produced with one of the shroomies as the actor/artist, and others in supporting roles. Each clip presents a particular technique in projection art which can be hopefully easily absorbed and advanced by the budding shroomita.

Technical details: most clips were captured with the Panasonic NV-DX1 or the Sony DCR-VX1000E.  Pablo shot most of them in several 60 minutes sessions at Studio HollerG, and then mixed them using FinalCutPro.

In addition to this, we’ve created a single, longer presentation in video form of one performance, expressing the combination of many artists and many techniques in an unusual setting. This is by way of bringing all the elements together for the 4shrooms4u audience, and presenting a challenging target.

Work so far done was achieved primarily with funding from NetzNetz/MA7-Stadt Wien, some equipment borrowed from CastYourArt, and the self-contributions of our shroomie artists.

The next step is to take each of these clips and wrap them into a presentation layer using standard net techniques: website and DVD. Each clip deserves one page, with text of explanation and artistic merit, accompanied by technical instructions. The pages need to be collected into a cohesive system, for which this blog is the first attempt, as it easily lays out a page-by-page collection, and allows basic formatting and presentation.

Our recent block was how to embed the video into the blog posting, this has now been figured out with help from Nuss, so we can present a first preliminary post: S H A D O W! Next task is to add a soundtrack onto it, so we have these elements for this page:

• Verbal instructions
• Video presentation
• Written description
• Detailed list of things needed

Help needed… in the next phase we’ll try and get the text from the shroomies, and get the rest of the posts up. Yes, we are out of budget, so the work will be limited to total slavery and devotion, but that was always a preferable system anyway.

[See post to watch QuickTime movie]

A funny thing happens when two strong grids are layered over the top:  where the shadows combine and the light combines, it creates a new set of patterns called Moire Patterns.  These are interesting in physics, you can read about them on Wikipedia.  To do this, all we need is two regular layers that are similar in some respect.

The eye finds itself torn between the strong shadow patterns and the meta layer created by the interference of the two.  This makes shadows alive, a small touch sends the Moire pattern dancing, and thus creates an instrument to work with the other dynamics of projection art.  Elements of mass, light and heavy can also be made to dance on the screen.  And, of course, we can write our message literally:  4shrooms4u!

Composition

The essence is to create strong patterns.  For example, a mat with holes creates a regular pattern across the screen that other images can lay over.  Because the pattern of shadow leaves darkness for other projections to fill with light, there is no problem with blending the two.  Shadows do not change the other images in form, they are a magical way of sharing the screen.

In imagery terms shadow can be a powerful guide to the eye, guiding the viewer to other parts of colour & light.  As a pattern, the shadow can create a counterpoint to another image.  Especially where the shadow pattern is strong and regular, it counters a soft, abstract image of light and colour.  Shadow can be a way of toning down the brightness of your projection, you can lay a shadow pattern over and the essential message will still be delivered, each point as bright, but the total light will be reduced.

Some shadows can be delicate.  A piece of material, frayed and torn, or a feather, reveals its image while still not dominating the scene.

Meaning

Shadow is the absence of light, and of colour, it can represent the absence of soul, or the dark forces that lurk.  But it can also be our desire to hold ourselves back, and let others forth.  I keep my strength in the shadow, so you can also glow.

Interaction

especially with other OPHs

Artifacts

• cotton clothing or material, thin enough for the light can shine through
• moving toys with a horizontal plane, such as balls
• wire, mesh, fencing