Prismpod test*

Yuri Endo 2012

Inspired by PRISMATICA by Kit Webster, I decided to run a simple test to see how an image projected from a LCD screen would look through a prism. 

On that note, as I didn't own a large LCD screen, I used an iPod touch to map an image on the rectangular glass prism that I used for my previous light and optic experiment. 

>>Procedure 

>Step 1. Making a base black image which fits in the iPod display, 960-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch. 

>Step 2. Placing another image, white rectangle with precise measurement of the prism, 590mm × 150mm, on top of the base black image. 

>Step 3. Exporting the combined image ( Step 1 and 2) as JPEG and transfer it to the iPod. 

>Step 4. Placing the prism on top of the iPod, precisely fitting to the white rectangle. 

>Step 5. Observing the image through the prism.

In conclusion, I observed various types of image distortions and color changes when the image is seen through the prism from different angles. 

Revisiting Farbe und Licht

Images by Yuri Endo 2012 
*Farbe und Licht box, the interactive leaning tool for understanding the color and light system. 

I went back to the exhibition to further review the research projects by The Institute of Colour and Light ( ICL). 

Illuminating Bathroom Possibilities: Interior Idea 003

Light + Slitscan 002

Upon my first attempt, I got rid of 2 filters in front of the LED light to see if I could capture much visible light movements.  

Light + Slitscan 001

This experiment was my first attempt to merge slitscan and light painting techniques.

In that sense, I followed the same procedure as my previous Mr. Roboto experiment, yet, this time with  a LED light box (with a blue filter)  on a black shiny form board.  

>Clip. 1  Original

>Clip. 2  Center slitscan, traveling down to up (2-pixel each frame)

>Clip. 3  Center slitscan, traveling right to left  (2-pixel each frame)

>Clip. 4  Cadence  slitscan, traveling left to right (2-pixel each frame)

>Clip. 5  Cadence  slitscan, traveling right to left  (2-pixel each frame)

>Clip. 6  Cadence slitscan , traveling down to up (2-pixel each frame)

Consequently, I was not able to capture much of its light motion, probably because of the LED light inside was rather invisible, due to the fact that the 2 filters (a transparent blue and half-transparent milky white) were set in front of it. 

Farbe und Licht (Color and Light)

Image by Yuri Endo 2012 
* The award-winning research results were put together as a publication, Farbe und Licht. 

Upon attending a presentation and an exhibition in Seoul, concerning Swiss design research by Prof. Dr. Gerhard M. Buurman of Zurich University of The Arts,  I discovered a series of great reference research projects by The Institute of Colour and Light ( ICL), which had explored the interplay of light, color, materials and movement in the perception of space.

Illuminating Bathroom Possibilities: Interior Idea 002

Its 3D model is currently in production, along with the actual light installation ideas.  

Presentation 001: Material

I have just finished giving the first presentation on my prospective thesis project, in which, I presented the project proposal,  project's current state,  and its further schedule.  Although the proposal had been approved, I felt as though numerous brush-ups are required to continue my research and development stage.  Below is the script excerpts from the presentation;  

>>PREFACE<<
My interest in light dates back to my undergraduate studies in visual media studies, with specialization in film theory and production. Throughout academia, I have broadened my studies in cinematography, in which I gained a solid perspective on technical aspects of cinema overall, the glee of manipulating the light to achieve artful mise-en-scène. Furthermore, my graduate study in design has given me a broader exposure to divergent use of light; both as art forms and tangible illumination sources.

As such, I came to value light as one of the most powerful elements of design, that can embody many idiosyncratic styles, product values, cinematic languages, and perceptions all at once, which I could mix with my previous studies to express my current outlook, as a student who focuses on digital media design. Hence, through this medium and with my expertise in motion picture, I ultimately want to demonstrate light as an artistic and directorial liaison, which digitally links one space or object to another.

>>OBJECTIVE<<
Parallel to visual storytelling scheme in the world of cinematography, each lighting design could also demand similar approaches, from its space representation to visual perception, in order to amplify the ambience within targeted locations. On that note, this prospective thesis project will aim to elevate the aesthetic appeal of a public space and/or a display through a digital media art form, which specifically highlights the purpose of illumination design.

>> PROCEDURE<<
>STAGE ONE: Research and Development ( March to Mid June, 2012) 

The prime mission of Stage One is, to explore the principal of light; from its mechanism to art forms, to gain a rational understanding of light’s history, nature and properties in order to acquire conceptual project ideas. In addition to conventional theoretical and technical research via online and offline resources, I have started exploring the world of science and physics, through various basic light and optics experiments; concerning color, refraction, reflection, and diffraction. Accordingly, the results of which will be used to develop my prospective projects.

>STAGE TWO: Prototyping and evaluation (March to Mid June, 2012) 

The goal of Stage Two is to develop various conceptual projects for constructing prototypes, to achieve evaluation for the final outcome. While simultaneously proceeding with Stage One, I am currently working on several experimentations with existing visual art forms; such as, slitcan, light painting, neon sign, and media façade. In that sense, my prime mission through those tryouts is to firstly, acquire hands-on comprehension of each technique and form, then secondly, to develop them into advanced digital art form in connection with light. Accordingly, its process including philosophy, research, photography, video, and possible future development of said projects will be regularly documented in my research blog at ubernotes.blogspot.com

>STAGE THREE: Final work  and exhibition (Mid June to December, 2012) 

Following the completion of Stage One and Two, I plan to proceed with integration of accumulated research and experiments, to conclusively produce the final output for its installation in public or private spaces. Thus, correspondingly, the project’s final output will be formed by convergence of photography, motion picture and space design, that results in installation exploring the idea of creativity filtered through lumino kinetic interaction.

Presentation 001: Supplemental Video

As one of the reference visual materials for my presentation, I created a video clip retrospecting various types of my previous works concerning light.

Presentation 001: Opening Video

Utilizing a long lens of my DSLR and by shifting its focus, I video captured the car head lights alternating their shapes and colors. 

Traffic Light Painting

Light painting is a photographic technique, that can be achieved by a moving light source and a slow-shatter speed. By moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera, the images captured under  a slow shatter speed shows a trail of light movements, and  create artful luminous motion as photographic images or motion pictures.  It is said that Man Ray was the first known art photographer, who had explored the idea of this technique in his works, namely Space Writing.  

As I have some experiences in trying out this technique with flash lights and an Ipod (with PENKI application), I decided to capture long exposure images of night traffic this time. As extra experiments, I also captured short exposure images of car head lights. 

Long exposure: 

Img 1. ISO400/ f 22/ s20

Img 2. ISO400/ f 22/ s10

Short exposure:
Img 3. ISO400/ f 5.8/ s1.3

Img 4. ISO400/ f 13/ s1/250

Img 5. ISO400/ f 5.8/ s1/50

Illuminating Bathroom Possibilities: Façade Idea 001

Illuminating Bathroom Possibilities: Interior Idea 001

Slitscan Test 004: Phosphorescent 1st attempt

Yuri Endo 2012

For this  experiment, I attempted to video capture a Munny doll with Phosphorescent coating to create new slit scan material. Given the fact that  phosphorescent materials store light and release it slowly, I was hoping to capture a series of unique images combining this glow-in-the-dark effect and slit scan technique. 

According to a source, phosphorescent objects are recommended to be photographed/filmed just after being charged with a UV light source and have to be captured as fast as possible since phosphorescent pigments loose 75% of their brightness within 30 seconds of removing the charging light. 

As I did not own a UV light source, I used a LED module with 4 chips to light up the Munny, turn it off and quickly rotate the Munny on the fan 360°. As you seen in the first image above, when it was photographed in a quick manner, I was able to capture rather strong phosphorescent effect, however, when I video recorded it (the second image is a frame excerpt after applying the slit scan effect), it lost its glow in about 10 seconds and posed a serious complication as a slit-scan material.

Through this trail,  I came to realize that the phosphorescent materials might not be suitable for slitscan, however, I will further seek for better outcomes using this particular material.

Reference: Glow in the Dark Photography

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Yuri Endo 2012 

During my weekly meeting with Professor Hall,  I timely captured a rainbow, which was created by a glass partition. 

Illuminating Bathroom Possibilities: Proposal

Yuri Endo 2011  * The night shot of Counter Void by Tatsuo Miyajima  

In many conventional commercial or residential premises, when compared to other spaces of edifices, the bathroom lightings tend to be monotonous with its mere focus on giving people good visibility. In that sense, this project's goal is to merge fundamental aspects of the space illumination; from aesthetic appeal, ergonomic facet to energy efficiency,  and digital media art forms to propose a constructive and dynamic light fitting for contemporary bath spaces.  

As such, my initial idea is to create a bathing and grooming space where light therapeutic values are digitally accentuated as media façade and in which ensures harmonious lighting for each three facility areas; toilet, bathing and washing, for both day and night uses. 

>CONCEPTS

1. Replacing physical walls and/or partitions, windows with digital solution. 

2. Designing crisp light for personal grooming in the morning and visionary lighting scheme for relaxation in the evening.

3. Converting light sources to art form to achieve effective ambient lighting display.

>TARGETS 

Medium-scale contemporary apartment, house and hotel room owners.