Rosa Schuurman
On creative coding and circuit bending.
Week nine | April 10th, 2024 | sell Technology sell Life
In the world of media and technology, going from the conventional to the experimental is often only done by those who dare handle things differently, challenge norms and explore what hasn't been explored yet. Recently, I had the privilege to attend a thought-provoking Weekly Nerd where Rosa Schuurman, an explorer in this field, shared her insights and experiences. Here's a glimpse into the intriguing world she unveiled:
Creative Coding
Rosa's journey originates from a background in CMD (Communication and Multimedia Design), with a stint in web development. She's currently delving deeper into experimental publishing through a master's program.
Rosa defines creative coding as "creative bookkeeping." It's not about getting rich, but rather about exploring possibilities beyond the conventional.
She shed light potential career paths post-CMD, including UX design and React development, shedding light on her own journey, which involved five years at Elastique/Wetteloos as a digital creative. She's also dedicated time to fine art at WKDA, starting with a project that she describes as "a vitrinekast," and currently pursues her MFA at Piet Zwart, where she delves into workshops, synthesizers, radio, and website construction.
Circuit Bending
Circuit bending, as Rosa describes it, involves creatively manipulating circuits in electronic devices to craft new musical or visual instruments. It's about repurposing existing frameworks to make something new. Rooted in the 1970s, circuit bending finds its origins amidst the emergence of electronic art and unstable media, which at the time provided an immediate canvas for experimentation.
Rosa advocates for a hands-on approach to circuit bending, encouraging us to rely on our senses and ingenuity to explore short-circuits and bypass systems, ultimately fostering interaction. She has a few pre-determined steps that we can take, should we be interested in circuit-bending ourselves:
- Consider batteries only;
- Use your eyes, ears, hands, nose and (maybe most importantly) your brain;
- Look for short-circuits, try to bypass systems;
- Mark what you find;
- Create some kind of interaction.
It's a lifestyle. Eventually you will circuit-bend it all.
She warns us, through! Side effects may include, (1) an unprecedented enthusiasm for hand-me-downs, (2) the belief that everything is feasible and bendable, and (3) a very strong urge to get rid of the black box.
Drawing parallels to browser tools like Inspect or Inspect Element, she highlights how circuit bending extends beyond physical manipulation, including the installation of alternative software, exemplified by her work with postmarketOS.
The key takeaway Rosa wants us to go home with is that rejecting the status quo is pivotal in circuit bending, echoing her sentiment to challenge norms and explore beyond the boundaries. She advises us to let the games begin and play around with softwares like Pure Data and GameMaker Studio.
An eye on our futures
While acknowledging the importance of hard skills, Rosa tells us about the significance of positioning ourselves as critical makers, asserting that frameworks matter little in the grand scheme of things. Whether we use React or Svelte or no frameworks at all really won't matter in the long run. We must immerse ourselves in inspiring environments and companies and seek enriching internships and engagements. Wherever we decide to continue on our journey should be a fun place to be both physically and virtually.
Workshops
As a roadmap for enthusiasts, Rosa highlights workshop hubs in Utrecht and Amsterdam that foster creativity and collaboration:
Utrecht
- CCU (Creative Coding Utrecht);
- Modelation Utrecht;
- Acid Solder Club.
Amsterdam
- OT301;
- Fiber Festival;
- INC (does a lot of research, including from AUAS);
- Hackers & Designers het HEM;
- LI-MA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rosa's narrative serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities within media and technology when one dares to challenge conventions, embrace experimentation, and surround oneself with inspiration. As Rosa aptly puts it,
Surround yourself with people who inspire you, companies doing cool things, and intern there.