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Stevenson, Vance

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Digital access to this material is pending artist's approval. Materials may be viewed onsite at the Goldsen Archive, Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Kroch Library, Cornell University.

In my work I attempt to rebuild natural or organic processes through the use of algorithms and dynamic systems. I envision the piece (be it an installation or a pure sound work) as an environment onto itself, a terrarium inhabited with artificial life, whose relationships I devise. I go about making such systems through programming distinct, individual elements and then letting them interact. The system grows in complexity as more elements are allowed to interact. The inspiration for the interactions often come from simple and accidental, almost dismissable, sources: how a flock of birds avoids an obstacle, yet remains a flock, the inner workings of flickering of florescent lights, and the way humans develop "jargon." For me, I often envision my work as possibly happening of its own accord; computers left alone at night, some wasted function; whose intricacies contain real beauty.

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    Rockefeller New Media Foundation Proposal
    Stevenson, Vance (2006-12-13T18:27:34Z)
    The proposed installation will consist of a set pseudo- living objects, each capable of interacting with both each other and the viewer. These objects will be identical and consist of both sensors and speakers enclosed in a ball-like form with a wire umbilical cord to a central controlling computer. The objects will communicate with an ever evolving language that is diverted from the sounds the surrounding objects make and the sounds of the gallery itself. The objects will be able to be "taught" by people directly interacting with them. This will create a "language" that will build from day to day, with a continually changing set of phonemes and sounds diverted from the real world. Each object will develop a personality that will determine how it deals with both input and interaction. Factors that will influence the development of the personality include time of day / routine, type and frequency of interactions, and the personality of the surrounding objects.