Thursday, September 29, 2005

Video Feedback Algorithms, Puppets and Wacked Tracks

On Wednesday, September 28, Fishbon Event Lab was the scene of advanced video madness with video processed with special algorithms and projected along with the feed from a live camera. But Lab agents didn't stop there. Various inappropriate objects were placed between the camera and projection screen, including, fingers, puppets, shopvac parts and an orange water pistol. Hardly the stuff of serious scientific inquiry, but the result was nevertheless strange and fascinating.Later in the evening, a haunting tour of the Chinese mainland was shown. To round things out, amazing new industrial and other eclectic music tracks debuted with talk of future animation projects with an original score.

Wes demos his extremely cool video processing software Posted by Picasa

A contingent from UCSBs Media Arts and Technology Lab Posted by Picasa

Fresnel lens is placed in front of the projection screen to create magnified feedback Posted by Picasa

Magnified hand with feedback Posted by Picasa

Hallie manipulates marionette in front of video camera to create feedback effect Posted by Picasa

Puppet projection with video processing and feedback Posted by Picasa

Magnified and processed puppet image. Posted by Picasa

Ethan creates feedback loops with video camera directed at projected images Posted by Picasa

Ethan showed incredible kaleidoscope feedback images Posted by Picasa

Paul in form. Posted by Picasa

Alex demoed some amazing tracks created with Mac-based composition software Posted by Picasa

Monday, September 26, 2005

Crazy Video Acts

Wednesday, September 21 found Fishbon Event Lab agents engaged in clandestine video operations thanks to the loan of a secret Character and Effects Generator that had been held in a plastic bag for 20+ years without its consent. The output was mixed with a live feed, projected on a two-way screen and then captured and projected. The resulting Feedback Loop was a combination of hand shadow puppets, funky 70's style monospaced characters and live video that looked like a Fractal Image Warp. When a tight house mix was added, operatives found themselves gyrating uncontrollably. Beware of dance warfare..it's coming.

Thursday, September 22, 2005


Lab art Posted by Picasa

Ancient character generator liberated after 20 years in a plastic bag. Posted by Picasa

Wes at the controls. Posted by Picasa

Steve does hand puppet feedback Posted by Picasa

One of Ethan's amazing fractal-like video feedback loops. Posted by Picasa

Dominique, Ross and Corina talk effects/ Posted by Picasa

Ancient cool character generator does Song of Solomon. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Ground Effect Vehicles, Fashion and Artificial Limbs

On Wednesday, September 14, Fishbon Event Lab agents witnessed the unveiling and early aviation history of the Ground Effect Vehicle, Locust. The patented, low-flying, sled-like ride is designed to travel at up to 300 mph. Of course in its present form, speeds that high would blow the driver into the next state, but this is a prototype after all. Since the actual working model is 12 feet long and 7 feet wide, it couldn't be tested at the studio, but its inventor brought a scale model and exciting test flight videos. Looking like FutureMan in his test pilot gear, Larry rode the beast for a couple of hundred feet before grinding to a premature landing. An excellent one-person ride, the Locust plans to return soon for a Helena Street blast off. Later in the evening there was talk about a future Fishbon Fashion Experience with performances, lots of personal edge-wear and dangerous stunts. Adding mystery to the festivities, Chinese Artificial Limbs were studied carefully for future Fishbon projects.

Larry rides a prototype of the "Locust" Posted by Picasa

Ulrike and Jill talk fashion. Posted by Picasa

Alan's artificial limb catalog from China.  Posted by Picasa

Corinna and bar-coded Jeffrey fresh from Puerto Rico Posted by Picasa