Each week we chat about the tools of the trade with one outstanding creative to find out exactly how they do what they do. The questions are always the same, the answers, not so much. This week: James Alliban.The Creators Project: Who are you and what do you do?
James Alliban:My name is James Alliban and I’m a designer, media artist, and international speaker based in London. I work mainly with computer vision with a focus on building interactive experiences in which participants can express themselves creatively. Much of my work adopts an abstract painterly aesthetic. Augmented Reality also plays a big role in what I do. For the last couple of years I have been experimenting with AR as a platform for building unique interactive experiences instead of everyday utilities. Although the technology is in its early stages and regarded by many as relatively useless in its current form (a notion that I happen to agree with), many believe it is set to radically transform human computer interaction with the introduction of AR glasses. As an artist/designer, AR is a fascinating area to explore. Early experimentation has the potential to guide the direction of the technology. For me this is a fascinating prospect.What hardware do you use?
As computer vision is my main focus, I work mostly with cameras to track motion, color, presence, and patterns. In the past I’ve also experimented with Wii-motes and range sensors (via Arduino). I recently had a brief play with the Kinect camera.I also think the smartphone is a fascinating medium for art. I’ve worked with the iPhone to build a Cubist inspired painting app called Fracture. I’m currently building an AR app for iOS which should be available in the coming weeks. Once the iPad is launched with a camera I have a couple of ideas I’d like to explore with that too.In terms of the future, I’m about to enter a timeshare on a MakerBot 3D printer. I’d also love to experiment with a laser printer after seeing the wonderful work Jared Tarbell is doing with this technology.What software do you use?
I use Flash for the bulk of my AR work and openFrameworks for most of my other projects. I’m also looking to get back into Processing. I keep promising myself a series of generative experiments.If money were no object, how would you change your current setup?
An interesting question which will probably make me feel a little empty afterwards…I was recently invited to the Amsterdam FabLab which is situated in the historic Waag building in the center of the city. I was mesmerized by the building, the technology they were tinkering with, and the overall attitude. If money were no object I’d love to set up a FabLab at a big venue in London. I’d pack it with all the awesome toys you’d expect (laser cutters, 3D printers etc.) and invite people to create things and hold workshops.Is there a piece of technology that changed your life or inspired you?
I would probably have to go with Paintshop Pro! I was computationally illiterate up until about the age of 20. Playing with with this primitive software on my girlfriend’s machine made me realize that I should be using digital technology as a tool for creative expression. Soon after this I bought my first PC and had started a creative computing degree.What fantasy piece of technology would you like to see invented?
I like to build experiences in which participants are tracked in some manner. This is currently limited to color, gesture, motion etc. I’d love to be able to take this further and track a range of physiological and psychological aspects of people as they wander through a space. Having access to information such as emotional state, brain activity, heart rate, and DNA structure would allow for systems that respond to people in an extremely meaningful and personal manner.What’s your favourite relic piece of technology from your childhood?
That would have to be my old Sinclair ZX Spectrum!
James Alliban:My name is James Alliban and I’m a designer, media artist, and international speaker based in London. I work mainly with computer vision with a focus on building interactive experiences in which participants can express themselves creatively. Much of my work adopts an abstract painterly aesthetic. Augmented Reality also plays a big role in what I do. For the last couple of years I have been experimenting with AR as a platform for building unique interactive experiences instead of everyday utilities. Although the technology is in its early stages and regarded by many as relatively useless in its current form (a notion that I happen to agree with), many believe it is set to radically transform human computer interaction with the introduction of AR glasses. As an artist/designer, AR is a fascinating area to explore. Early experimentation has the potential to guide the direction of the technology. For me this is a fascinating prospect.
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As computer vision is my main focus, I work mostly with cameras to track motion, color, presence, and patterns. In the past I’ve also experimented with Wii-motes and range sensors (via Arduino). I recently had a brief play with the Kinect camera.I also think the smartphone is a fascinating medium for art. I’ve worked with the iPhone to build a Cubist inspired painting app called Fracture. I’m currently building an AR app for iOS which should be available in the coming weeks. Once the iPad is launched with a camera I have a couple of ideas I’d like to explore with that too.In terms of the future, I’m about to enter a timeshare on a MakerBot 3D printer. I’d also love to experiment with a laser printer after seeing the wonderful work Jared Tarbell is doing with this technology.What software do you use?
I use Flash for the bulk of my AR work and openFrameworks for most of my other projects. I’m also looking to get back into Processing. I keep promising myself a series of generative experiments.If money were no object, how would you change your current setup?
An interesting question which will probably make me feel a little empty afterwards…I was recently invited to the Amsterdam FabLab which is situated in the historic Waag building in the center of the city. I was mesmerized by the building, the technology they were tinkering with, and the overall attitude. If money were no object I’d love to set up a FabLab at a big venue in London. I’d pack it with all the awesome toys you’d expect (laser cutters, 3D printers etc.) and invite people to create things and hold workshops.Is there a piece of technology that changed your life or inspired you?
I would probably have to go with Paintshop Pro! I was computationally illiterate up until about the age of 20. Playing with with this primitive software on my girlfriend’s machine made me realize that I should be using digital technology as a tool for creative expression. Soon after this I bought my first PC and had started a creative computing degree.What fantasy piece of technology would you like to see invented?
I like to build experiences in which participants are tracked in some manner. This is currently limited to color, gesture, motion etc. I’d love to be able to take this further and track a range of physiological and psychological aspects of people as they wander through a space. Having access to information such as emotional state, brain activity, heart rate, and DNA structure would allow for systems that respond to people in an extremely meaningful and personal manner.What’s your favourite relic piece of technology from your childhood?
That would have to be my old Sinclair ZX Spectrum!