DATA
rapid prototypes, prototyping powder, leds,
wires, circuitry
9" x 36" x 5"

-----This work consists of two sets of glass jars. In one of the sets of jars there are rapid prototyped cubes that spell the word “DATA.” Each one of the cubes is a letter in the word and the letters are illuminated by red LEDs. In the other set of jars, there is rapid prototyping powder. These jars are also illuminated by red LEDs. Both sets of jars sit on top of white shelves and they are connected by a yellow wire.
-----One of the first things a viewer probably notices is the red light emanating from the work. Often I use light as a means of seduction. I want to create an entry point for the viewer to access the work. Our eyes are naturally drawn towards illuminated objects and I think it is appropriate to exploit this phenomenon. Another fitting reason to use light has to do with it connection to communication. Often lights are used as a form of communication in advertisements and storefronts. Because of art’s association to communication, it seems reasonable to create a link between light and art.
-----The work is titled Data because that is what it speaks about. Specifically, everything around us (the world) is formed by data and information. For example, human beings are formed by data. All humans are made up of a similar substance, but it is our DNA that tells our cells how to form. Rapid prototyping is analogous. It is the instructions that determine the way the material formally manifests itself. In other words, it is the data that we feed into the printer that determines what comes out. The material in both sets of jars is exactly the same, the only difference is that one is formed by data and the other is not.