Neil C Smith
Sound and InterMedia Artist
My work explores different ways of using technology to extend the ability to create. Working solo and in collaboration with other artists, I create live improvised performances, and site-specific generative and interactive installations. Breaking away from the familiar uses of technology as a reproductive medium, my work exists in real-time and real-space - each moment a unique and unrepeatable experience. (See the Projects and Events sections for more information).
Arts and Technology Adviser
With a background in technology based arts, as well as having worked over five years as an Arts Officer, I am strongly placed to provide specialist advice to artists and arts organisations. Areas of expertise include free open-source software, customised technology, internet strategy and organisational development. (See the Consultancy section for more information).
Get in touch with me on the Contact page, or use the Search page to find your way around the site.
Over the last few months I’ve been reworking the software framework that I use to create my work, with the intention of releasing it under a free, open-source licence (GPL). An early preview of this is now available at http://praxis.googlecode.com. There’s still quite a lot of work to do, but it’s capable of running a version of Magoria - a low-resolution version is in the examples. Feel free to have a go and let me know what you think!
Dance artist Jenny Parrott and I have recently begun working on a long-term research residency project at New Greenham Arts as part of their Evolve programme. We will be exploring ways of creating interactive spaces for creative play, exploring how audiences and performers might be encouraged to move creatively within technology augmented spaces, particularly influenced by movement in the natural landscape around Greenham Common.
I’ve uploaded a video of Magoria being projected outdoors in Oxford at Winter Light (Nov 2008) and in the Who is Who? exhibition at Banbury Museum (Feb 2009). This is currently on Google Video at http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4764035630193883215. Higher quality directly hosted videos are coming soon!
