Contributing Artists - Chelynn Tetreault

Artist's Bio:

Chelynn Tetreault is a recent BFA graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art with a double degree in sculpture and photography. She is a kinetic sculptor and primarily works with wood, performance, and the seemingly vast world of electronics. She has shown her work in various venues in the Boston area, including the Fort Point Gallery and the Revolving Museum. Her heroes include Dana Moser, Ben Thompson, and the infamous Jerry Hoyt.

Artist's Statement:

Not only does Fluidity of Impulse Through Motion speak about the technical translation from one state to another, but of the translation from a physical state (geometric textures on the belt) to a metaphysical state of sound and form experienced in VR. Impulse becomes a continuous motion via translation between virtual and real life. One kind of information becomes another form of information, both of which are connected and dependent upon one another to function.

Materials: Wood, rubber, electronics

Technical Description:

The surface of the conveyor belt is a series of geometric textures of various heights. As the viewer turns the handle clockwise, the continuous motion activates three rows of three switches to momentary on and off states. The activation of the switches is indicated by a pattern of corresponding l.e.d lights. The impulses from the patterns of the switches trigger nine separate sound samples that reside in Virtual Reality (VR). The switches also activate a choreographed motion of geometric forms in VR. The activation of the switches as impulses translates into fluid sound and form compositions in VR. The moving forms and sound compositions in VR are a result of the participants' actions in the real world.

copyright 1999 by Chelynn Tetreault