Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Works on Paper

Mc Donald's practice comprises of installation,
print and digital media works, which utilize audio-visual and sensor
 technology and which incorporate generative sonic and visual content. This work explores generative approaches to systems of science & natural phenomena. Generative artworks usually involve the artist setting up a system which has some level of autonomy. Mc Donalds print works are created by setting up an electrolytic system. Working with the electrolytic process – interacting metal surfaces, through the application of controlled voltages are transformed. By varying the voltage in this process lines are etched ranging between braille like dots, stratified lines to more intensely etched areas. The lush saturations and graduations of colour, subtle variations of texture and density of line in these works are reminiscent of scientific imagery, incredibly refined litmus papers, radio telescope images of deep space or some other less decipherable rendering of scientific data.
Electric Field(ii) [6.7Volts ~ 2.3Amps] Aluminium Electroetch 76cm x 54 cm, 2015
5 Volts 1.3Amps Aluminium Electroetch 15cm x 15cm, Signal [iii] Aluminium Electroetch 15cm x 15cm, Signal [v] Aluminium Electroetch 15cm x 15cm, 2015
[ Electric Field(ii)] Aluminium Electroetch 76cm x 54 cm, 2015
"Sound byte", Aluminium Electroetch 25cm x 76cm, Edition 15. "Litmus (yellow)", Aluminium Electroetch 25cm x 76cm, Edition 15
Detail "Litmus" Aluminium Electroetch 25cm x 76cm
"Data" Aluminium Electretch 25 x 25cm
"Data" Aluminium Electroetch 25cm x 25cm
"Field-[yellow]" Aluminium electroetch 36cm x 36cm
Detail "Field-[yellow]" Aluminum Electroetch 36x36cm
"Signal [III]" Aluminium Electroetch 15cm x 15cm
Various Aluminium Electroetch 15cm X 15cm
"Signal [IV]" Aluminium Electroetch 15cm x15cm
Signal [I] yellow, Aluminium electroetch, 15cm x 15cm Edition 15
"Bandwidth" Aluminium Electretch 100cm x 76cm Edition 15
"Electric field" Aluminium Electretch 34 x 76cm.
"Field [III]" Aluminium Electretch 76cm x 56cm Edition 10 Biography: Fiona Mc Donald is a Dublin based interdisciplinary artist. Residencies include Digital Media Residency at Firestation Artists Studios 2012 and Project studio member at Temple Bar Gallery & Studios 2009-2010. She has taken part in group exhibits at Broadstone Studio, Harcourt Terrace, the Lab Gallery, Green on Red Gallery, Hugh Lane Gallery and the Digital Hub, Dublin. She has participated internationally in exhibitions in Copenhagen, Paris, New York, LA and at the Cologne Art Fair. Her work is included in collections AIB, UCD, Digital Hub, Thomas St, Dublin, Scott Tallon Walker, Architects.

Exhibitions Quantum Leap and U-turn

My practice comprises of installation, print, and digital media works which utilize audio-visual and sensor technology, incorporating generative sonic and visual content. My artworks consist of bespoke experimental apparatus - which 
meditate on the dynamics between art and science; man- made and
‘natural' systems; the technological and the ‘alive'; experiment and 
knowledge; form and content. This work explores generative approaches to systems of science and natural phenomena. Generative artworks usually involve the artist setting up a system which has some level of autonomy. The systems in my work often combine sculptural structures, custom supports, hacked objects, electronics, software, the laws of physics, chemical processes and bespoke apparatus which allude to space travel, science fiction, alternative futuristic worlds, analytical scientific technology and scientific data Often my works incorporates physical computing technology to create data driven generative systems. In other new work, I use special photo equipment to film the microcosms and tiny dynamic landscapes within electrically driven generative chemical reactions. These HD video works provide a view into unseen microcosms, meditative transforming landscapes in which the viewer is the only inhabitant. The video works in installation [Lunar Surface] are projected onto and through folded coated Aluminium structures. Projection is refracted and overspills into the architecture of the space. Lunar lander like structures within the space collect data from the environment of the installation. This data is transformed into a real time data driven soundscape. While this project references climate change analysis of scientific environmental data and our relationship with the changing landscape it also references works closer to science fiction, alternative futuristic or forgotten worlds. Technology left behind on an uninhabited planet with uncertain functions and data sonifactions of uncertain meaning. Exhibition Quantum Leap at Foundation 15 Curated by Brendan Fox Details of Installation "Lunar Surface" 2015 HD video projection, folded coated Aluminum, stepper motor, 3D printed fittings, electronics, infrared distance sensors, generative audio, powersupply, power cables, speakers, mac mini.
In Exhibition U-TURN CURATED by Marysia Weickiewicz-Carrol at the Library Project The installation "Lunar Surface creates" a transformative link between progress and the future

Exhibition The Drawing Project

The Drawing Project IADT Dunlaoighre Mc Donald's practice comprises of installation,
print and digital media works, which utilize audio-visual and sensor
 technology and which incorporate generative sonic and visual content. Her artworks consist of bespoke experimental apparatus - which 
meditate on the dynamics between art and science; man- made and
‘natural' systems; the technological and the ‘alive'; experiment and 
knowledge; form and content. 
Often her work rebuilds systems or analogue technology to create
 generative drawings or systems.


Wavelenght/nm
Wavelenght/nm
Ferromagnetic lunarscape
Ferromagnetic lunarscape
Sound bite, Litmus Aluminium electroetchings In  the work  “Wavelength /nm” the workings of an analogue 
spectrophotometer (an instrument used in chemical quantitative analysis) 
are reconstructed. Absorption v wavelength readings are plotted using Processing an open
source programming language to create a live data driven generative drawing.
Generative drawing created in Processing using spectrophotometer output readings
In another work “Ferromagnetic lunarscape” a pulse width modulated 
electrical current transferred to a number of electromagnets cause a 
lattice drawing of ferromagnetic dust to expand and contract in 
regular mirroring movements. The pulse width modulating circuit 
generates square wave audio signals which are amplified through 
headphones. These accumulations and erosions of forms are suggestive 
of moonscapes, eco-systems or crystal worlds.
Stills from generative drawings made Processing an open
source programming language to create a live data driven generative drawing.