Electronics for Artists: Adding Light, Motion, and Sound to Your Artwork

by Simon Quellen Field

With today’s modern technology—LEDs, servomotors, motion sensors, speakers, and more—artwork can incorporate elements of light, sound, and motion for dramatic effects. Author and educator Simon Quellen Field has developed a primer for creative individuals looking for new ways to express themselves though electronically enhanced art. Following step-by-step examples of basic circuitry and programming, readers can develop the skills necessary to enhance their works of art. The book also features art projects to try, including a bouquet of glowing flowers, an LED metronome, a talking computer, a sensile robot, and a simple wheeled robot. A variety of artistic works created by Field’s students and based on these open-ended lessons are also included to provide creative sparks for the readers. For those interested in programming their circuits, Field explores the basics of Energia, a free software package, and provides simple programs to create flashing light patterns, computer controlled motors, and LCD text displays.

Genres: Art

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating and wide showcase about electronics.

Although if you are seeking to replicate the projects, the author assumes you know how to solder, doesn't list suppliers, doesn't provide a detailed schematic or provide serial numbers for the components (only some components have their part numbers listed).

[Brock Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Quellen FIeld's Electronics For Artists is an accessible primer for exploring the Texas Instruments MSP430 Launchpad as well as a non-technical introduction to electronic components and integrated circuits. He introduces a free programming environment called Energia and many example programs are available on his website artists.sci-toys.com.