Description

Configurable Space VII, from the Configurable Space Project (Photograph)

Configurable Space VII – from Craig Harris’ Configurable Space project. Photo by Marion Gray © 1992

“Configurable Space VII” is a photograph by Marion Gray captured as part of Craig Harris’ hybrid performance-presentation, based on his research and design project Configurable Space, sponsored by Yamaha Music Technologies in Marin, California, in May of 1990.

Harris’ Configurable Space project explores future creative work environments, the creative process, and the use of new technological resources to support artistic functions. Configurable Space is directed towards the development of a balanced understanding about how we use the visual, aural, tactile, and configurable capabilities of digital technologies, and how the tools developed affect ways that we think, feel, formulate, and develop on intellectual, spiritual, and emotional planes.

The project is built upon the simulation of future creative environments using any available technology that could be used to support the illusion that the implied resources already exist. The simulations incorporate representations of interactive computer display tables, walls, and holographic images, within a multi-dimensional sound environment.

The purpose of the hybrid performance-presentation was to demonstrate the underlying concepts of Configurable Space in a context permitting experimentation with multimedia communication resources.

The event space was built around a large, white wall. Three slide projectors were positioned carefully with respect to image size, angle, and proximity. A multi-layered sound environment included original music, prerecorded music from different cultures and styles, and prepared soundfiles of sampled and processed sound, all placed in a variety of simulated room environments.

Sound from each of the microphones was processed to create a different ambiance, reinforcing different styles of communication. One microphone evoked the sense of a large room with a distant dreamy character, used for story-telling and indirect communications. The other microphone evoked a smaller, less-reverberant environment, for declamatory and direct communication techniques.

During the event, Harris wrote and drew over the surface of the wall, selecting multicolored marking pens of different thicknesses, with attention towards the functional use of color, shapes and multi-dimensional containers. Writing and drawing on the wall reinforced main points, summarized internal sections within the presentation, followed tangential thoughts, and drew links between graphic and textual material written and projected. The narrative tracked the creative process, examining tasks and the tools designed to address several circumstances. The total environment was considered in relation to its impact on creative activities, exploring communication on many levels.

Learn more about the Configurable Space Project.

“Configurable Space VII” from the Configurable Space project is available as a print, or as a downloadable high resolution image for printing. It can be printed on a color printer as desired for personal use – on home printers, professional printers – and can be hung unframed or framed as desired. The size of this image is 16″ x 24.34″ at 300 ppi (61.83 x 40.64 centimeters).

“Configurable Space VII” is one of several photographs available from Craig Harris’ Configurable Space Project.

About Candy Kuehn Digital Illustrations

Candy Kuehn provides the following insights into her printing process to assist in producing the best results for printing and/or framing these prints: “I use Digital Fine Papers when printing my work. My favorites are Innova, Hahnemulle, Cansons Infinity and Epson Fine Art Papers. My large works use roll papers – Epson Premium Photo Luster or Epson Legacy Baryta. My print files fit sizes A3 (13” x 17”) and A4 (17” x 22”). I download ICC profiles and follow prompts to install the profiles from the paper’s manufacturer’s guidelines. I use Adobe Photoshop as my go to editing program. I also test on one piece of paper; print and cancel; then try another setting turning the paper upside down, print and cancel until I am satisfied with the print results. (If you have a photo editing program, strips can be done that way as well.) For professional online printing, two options are Shutterfly.com and snapfish.com. I also use local professional art printers in Minneapolis, such as Artist Resource Group (artist-grp.com). Owner Terry Schopper’s knowledge is exceptional and brilliant.” Please allow 4-6 weeks for printing and shipping of prints. Prints are often printed on demand, and we need to coordinate schedules with our high quality artwork printers. Please contact us about any special needs and we will try to accommodate.

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