research

In my practice and research I explore ways of using new technology in artistic contexts, with an emphasis on the development of interactive software for practicing musicians. My PhD work involved the creation of a number of computer-based musical instruments which used novel interaction strategies to facilitate creative, conversational approaches to music making.

Since 2004 I have been part of the Creativity and Cognition Studios, an interdisciplinary research group working at the intersection of creativity and technology.

I am interested in working with artists, musicians and technologists who have an interest in further exploring new approaches to creativity and interaction.

Currently I'm working on further developing the musical interfaces that arose from my PhD. My approach is very much 'practice based', in that I work with musicians to create performance works - rather than working to develop 'instruments' in isolation. The process of creating these works allows us to explore the interactive possibilities between live performer and computer and to identify successful (and unsuccessful) strategies. The creative work is also a way of exploring creative interaction more broadly - including the creative practices of musicians. In other words, while technology and design is a significant component of the research, human creative practice is equally important.

The videos below should help illustrate the relationship between creative work and interaction design in my work.

	Works in Progress Some tests of projection masking, body mounted projectors and interactive point cloud fluid simulation.
	Encoded Sketches A work-in-progress showing of 'Encoded' with David Clarkson, Alejandro Rolandi, Lee-Anne Litton and Gavin Clarke.
	Touching Dialogue at NIME 2010 Phil Slater (trumpet), Jason Noble (clarinet) and I perform at New Interfaces for Musical Expression 2010.
	Touching Dialogue Ben Marks (trombone) and I perform an improvisation at the Bon Marche Theatre, University of Technology Sydney, September 2009.
	Partial Reflections III An improvised performance by Diana Springford and Jason Noble (clarinets) at the Sound Lounge with software for Partial Reflections III, November 2007. Video by Kraig Grady.
	Partial Reflections - Ben Marks and Andrew Johnston A complete live performance of Partial Reflections at the Queensland Conservatorium on May 17, 2007. Sorry about the low light.
	Partial Reflections : Photo Gallery Some photographs of Ben Marks performing Partial Reflections (aka 'Spheres of Influence'), for solo trombone and interactive software.