Jan 26 #1: A Scan: scan one of the following: a photograph, a body part, an object, an insect, a drawing, a painting or anything else you can think of. The idea here is to think about what happens when a physical image or object is translated into the digital realm. What occurs when reflected light is transformed to transmitted light? What kind of digital artifacting is acquired? How does this add to or subtract from your "original"? Have you created a "cameraless" photograph bypassing the camera when you directly scan objects? Print the results. Think about what happens as your image is translated into a digital print.

Feb 2 #2: Image Processing: scan an image, then use as many or as few tools and filters as you would like. Crop, copy and paste elements. Print the results. What has happened? Is the original image still "there" or by processing how has it been altered? Has it been over processed? Can you use techniques for expression and not just because they are there - are you starting to learn self discipline in effects usage? Can you think about ways in which processing may enhance your image and help in communicating your message?

Feb 9 #3: Montage and Composition: using the montage techniques you have learned to alter or composite photographic images, place 2 or more of your photographic images together. What happens? How does this alter the context and meaning of each image and what, if any, new dialog emerges?

Feb 23 #4: Truth: scan a photograph and using the tools and techniques you learned in class alter its truthfulness or veracity. You can make this seamless or obvious, depending on what you wish to communicate and what visual cues you choose to include. You could place your head on other body or do the opposite. What have you discovered during this process? Would you continue to believe in a photograph as admissible evidence in a court of law?

March 2 #5: Still Motion: digitize a few frames from a videotape you have made and make 3 still images from the motion. Print the resulting images. What happens? How do you feel about the translation from motion to still imagery?

March 23 #6: In-Between: using the techniques of inbetweening animation in Director move something from point a to point b. Remember, "to animate" means to "give life to".

March 30 #7: Bounce: bounce something. Think about velocity, impact, and the physics of materials in motion.

April 6 #8: Interact: create a short study where a viewer/user interacts with something.

Final Project:
April 13 Transformation: Using the digital tools and techniques you have learned in class and the basic elements of artmaking (composition, perspective, light, color, proportion, form, etc.) create a transformation. This can be a series of digital photographic prints, a series of small digital sketches, an animation or interactive work or web project. Linear, lateral, random, are all viable modes. Transformations exist in burning, building, breaking, growing, etc.

If you have any questions at any time about your work please speak with me.

A portfolio of the short studies will be required consisting of 5 prints and a HD/DS floppy disk containing your inbetween, bounce and interact studies.

Your final project can be in any format, but consider disk space and limited lab conditions. A copy of your final project will be placed on ZIP for future reference.

Important Tips:
Always back-up your work frequently, that is, every time you make something you think is worth keeping. Systems crash when least expected and you could loose all your work. It is a good idea to make three backups (on different disks) as storage media are sometimes unstable.

General: Please keep in mind that manuals are for use in class and lab. They are not to be removed. They are very useful as reference guides. Try not to batter or deface the equipment in any way or lose files and folders belonging to our class or other classes. Please report lab problems to me in class or lab staff during lab times immediately. Please follow the guidelines for working in each Studio very carefully as you will be held personally responsible for problems you incur.

• Always save onto your zip, Jazz or into your RCS account as files left on the hard drive will be removed.

• Also, please keep in mind the highly addictive aspects of working with computers. Many people loose track of time and later wonder why they have severe back, neck and eye problems. It is a good idea to take a rest every 15 to 20 minutes. Look up or beyond your computer or, better still, at a long distance to relax your eyes. Take a walk or stretch. Fatigue can lead to frustration. Stay in touch with your body's needs. Working with computers can at times be frustrating. Before having a breakdown, take a break.

Recommended Readings:
Maxwell, Delle. "The Emperor’s New Art?" In Computers in Art & Design. Isaac V. Kerlow, ed. New York: ACM, 1991.

Postman, Neil. Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Vintage Books, 1993.

Mitchell, William J. The Reconfigured Eye. Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 1992.

Vitz, Paul C. & Arnold B.Glimcher. Modern Art & Modern Science: The Parallel Analysis of Vision. New York: Praeger, 1984.