Steven Crawford

timemachine

Principles and practices, project management

Computer-aided design

Computer-Controlled Cutting

Electronics Production

3D scanning and printing

Electronics design

Computer-controlled machining

Embedded programming

Computer-controlled machining

Mechanical design

Machine design

Some personal history

My interest in digital fabrication came out of an applied arts degree that I completed several years ago. I wrote an essay about the Internet as an art medium, titled 'Art in the Age of the Digital Revolution'. My studio work resulted in a Time Machine.

The Time Machine is a conceptual and kinetic sculpture. The conceptual narrative traces the evolution of visual art from the invention of moving pictures through to computer generated images. I made a stop motion animation film of the sculpture, walking around on stage, before digitally altering each frame with software that created an oil painting effect. Then I used a Lasergraphics film recorder to render the digital images onto 35mm film stock. That was then placed onto the Time Machine and as an actual loop of film which projects the animated oil painting of itself walking around onto a traditional framed canvas on the wall.

Where I am now

Ten years on from building the Time Machine, digital fabrication technology is more accessible and affordable. I am now ready to build on my earlier interest of using art as an excuse to push technology to its unintended use. ie: using a slide film recorder to make cinema projection film.

I like the idea that the FabLab can be used to build machines to make things. I also like the educational value of the FabLab in helping people to retrofit and repurpose things, including heavy industrial CNC machinery that has become obsolete (and inexpensive to buy). Ultimately I want to teach ordinary people in my community that operating modern technology isn't something to be afraid of. As I work my way through the Fab Academy course I will be developing a repertoire of basic lessons that I can hand on. I am going to make an effort to use open source tools where possible.

Our FabLab

The FabLab which was opened during the FabLab International Conference 2012 held here in Wellington, is controlled by Wendy Neale. Our FabLab is on a university campus, next to an Art Deco building which was formerly a museum. The old museum building provides a great atmosphere for contemplation.