The workshop is now at full capacity, and the participation survey is closed.
What is the relation of a plant to a server? One of the sad ironies of modern networked living is that being always “online” often leaves us feeling very disconnected from nature. The living beings that are all around us, even in our homes, tend to be ignored and if we do focus on biology, it’s typically just looking at digital photos of faraway parks and wilderness while we hold a piece of plastic. But what if we took a different approach to networking? What if we tried to build a network that allowed us to connect and communicate with the plants in our immediate surroundings?
What will I gain from participating in this workshop?
In this 2 day workshop, participants will collaborate to build a small cybernetic system integrating plants, humans and electronics. We will begin with a few simple experiments with analog forms of networks and some investigations into the kinds of media we can use to convey with plants. With our results, we will then continue to construct a small, sustainable “network of care” – a living laboratory of sorts using second-hand electronics and our low-powered micro-server.
Thanks to Arduino for helping us source used electronics for this workshop.
Is this workshop for me?
Participants do not need special skills or knowledge, although some experience with programming or electronics may be helpful. A laptop will be useful but optional. (Anyone who would like to donate a small house plant is invited but please don’t bring anything big)
About the workshop hosts: Michal Klodner & Brendan Howell
Michal Klodner
Michal Klodner moves from the field of audiovisual live performances and experimental film to forest gardening, building livinglab and back. With a background in information science and coding, he was one of the founders and current curator of node9.org digital community server and online gallery. Michal Klodners’ practice involves writing on online activism, digital curation or postmediality, as part of creating networks based on trust in those fields. In the recent projects on the role of artistic research in sustainability Klodner got into computational aspects of media art in relation to ecosystems and more than human natureculture communities, trying to develop livinglab as an interdisciplinary method of nondestructive living-research in nature and wilderness.
Brendan Howell
Brendan Howell is an artist and a reluctant engineer. He is the creator
of numerous interactive artworks and inventions. Additionally, he has
spent a lot of time teaching digital practices in applied and fine arts
at various European higher education institutions. He lives in Berlin,
Germany but can often be found walking in wooded areas of Northern
Europe or enjoying pastoral life in Hacksneck, Virginia, USA with his
extended family.
Price
Depending on the type of workshop prices will be decided upon in the beginning of September.
Regular: Range € 40-60
Student: Range € 20-40
If you have any questions about pricing, please visit our FAQ.
Location & Time
30 November & 1 December, 10:00 – 17:00 (both days)
De Ruimte (Distelweg 83, 1031 HD Amsterdam)