Forsyth Tech and SECCA Team up for Art Project

By Staff

 

Art, music and advanced manufacturing technology are coming together in an innovative and creative venture between the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts (SECCA), the Winston-Salem Symphony, Berlin-based visual artist Andreas Nicolas Fischer, and Forsyth Tech.

On Sunday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 14, the Winston-Salem Symphony’s Classics Series concerts will feature Fischer using a computer to create an ephemeral, video production response in real time to the sounds of the Symphony during the performances.

Fisher will then collect the sound data from each concert and create 3-D models and send the files to Forsyth Tech’s Computer-Integrated Machining Department. Forsyth Tech will develop computer code for the two models using Mastercam software and feed the code into a CNC Milling Machine. Using indigenous North Carolina wood, the machine will mill the pieces of wood into two unique 3-D sculptures. The two sculptures will be auctioned off on May 15 as a benefit for SECCA and the Symphony.

“For the past two weeks, we have been working closely with Andreas to mill test wood using sample data files he’s sent us. Simply put, Andreas is the designer, and we’re the manufacturer,” explains Todd Bishop, Forsyth Tech’s department chair for Integrated Manufacturing who is overseeing this project. “We’re extremely pleased with the way the test sculptures are turning out. We’ve used walnut, cherry and cedar in our tests. Based on the type of wood selected for the final pieces, it could take up to a full 24 hours to produce each of the sculptures.”

“Using our Broadcast Production and Production Technology program resources, we’re planning to videotape the milling of one of the sculptures over a 24-hour period,” Bishop adds. “We’ll then edit the raw footage down to create a 30- or 60-second time lapse video to show how advanced manufacturing technology was used to create beautiful three-dimensional works of art.”

Fischer is one of a growing number of data visualization artists who look at data and translate it into other visual languages, such as art and sound, according to Steven Matijcio, Curator of Contemporary Art at SECCA.

“Andreas has worked with many composers and orchestras on similar projects. He manifests sound into 3-D. It’s very innovative,” says Matijcio. “Todd Bishop has been a godsend to us on this project. We’re grateful to Forsyth Tech for their support.”

The two final sculptures, estimated to have a fair market value of $8,000 each, will be on display at SECCA from May 21 – 26 as part of an exhibit of Fischer’s work. A maximum of 500 raffle tickets at $50 each will be sold through the end of intermission of the Symphony’s May 14 concert. Two winners (one for each sculpture) will be selected by random drawing on May 15. For more information, visit HERE.

 

 

Rauschen — 2011