ARTIST STATEMENT
BIOGRAPHY
CURRICULUM VITAE
ARTIST STATEMENT
I feel that artists should lead humanity through the creation and utilization of the most current and yet-to-be-invented technologies and processes. In my formal fine arts education, I sought out persons and programs that encouraged exploration into newly forming fields and who supported non-traditional and anti-disciplinary fine arts research. In my current practice, I work as the sole artist amidst a group of several dozen computer science researchers and students in an advanced visualization laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago. There, I make art using numerous computational media and devices. As such, my studio practice is rather non-traditional, occupying spaces and environments both physical and virtual.
My interests are mainly in algorithmic and generative art realized through display technologies, virtual reality, sensing and control systems, rapid prototyping and immersive audio. The implications of computers and peripheral devices as extensions of the human mind for creative expression are primary motives in my work. My desire is to challenge the viewer with an artwork that continuously changes according to their interaction and immerses them in hyper-real content. I am deeply moved by the beauty of naturally occurring forms and their underlying mathematical processes. Designing autonomous systems to emulate these forms in unexpected ways and contexts is at the heart of much of my most current work.
BIOGRAPHY
JD Pirtle (b. 1975) is an artist, musician, programmer, and creative technologist focusing on visualization and sonification that bridge the void between convention and technological horizon.
He received his BFA with Distinction in Digital Arts in 2008 from the Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) at the University of Washington. While at DXARTS, he studied digital signal processing, real-time audio synthesis, algorithmic sound composition, sound spatialization, Ambisonics and psycho-acoustics with Juan Pampin and Joshua Parmenter from 2006-2008. From 2007-2008, he studied 3D modeling, animation, stereoscopic cinema, stereoscopic computer graphics, and computer motion with Stephanie Andrews. From 2007-2008, he studied digital media art theory and practice with Shawn Brixey and Richard Karpen.
He received an MFA in Electronic Visualization/New Media Arts from the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he studied generative/software art, computer vision and physical computing with Daniel Sauter and Sabrina Raaf.
He is currently an artist and creative technologist at the Electronic Visualization Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago, pursuing creative research in the fields of 3d algorithmic sound and generative/interactive software applications across a broad range of devices.
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
2009-2011MFA | New Media Arts/Electronic Visualization | University of Illinois at Chicago
2005-2008
BFA | Digital Art and Experimental Media with Departmental Honors
Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) | University of Washington.
RESEARCH AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2011-PresentResearch Specialist: Creative Technologist | Electronic Visualization Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago
2010-2011
Research Assistant | Electronic Visualization Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago
2010
Teaching Assistant | Graduate Seminar: Advanced Electronic Visualization and Critique, University of Illinois at Chicago
2009-2010
IT/Creative Technologist | Teams Design Chicago
2009
Visiting Artist/Instructor | Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS)
2008-2009
Research Assistant | Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS)
2007-2008
Art and Technology Studies Instructor/Technical Support | Seattle City Schools
EXHIBITIONS, PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, PRESS AND WORKSHOPS
2011Mobile Processing | Presenter | Chicago, Illinois (November 2011)
0xFF, Department of Computer Science, UIC | Presenter | Chicago, Illinois (October 2011)
Chicago Code Workshop | Presenter | Chicago, Illinois (August 2011)
SIGGRAPH 2011 | 20 Foot Canvas | Vancouver, BC Canada (August 2011)
Incomplete Sense | 2011 Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival | Chicago, Illinois (July 2011)
Super-signs | Hyde Park Art Center | Chicago, Illinois (May 2011)
MFA Thesis Exhibition | Gallery 400 | Chicago, Illinois (April 2011)
2010
Iannis Xenakis: Form and Transformation | HZ Journal, Issue #15
James Turrell's Mendota Stoppages and Roden Crater: When the Studio and the Art Become One | HZ Journal, Issue #15
18-screen digital paint wall supports touch, iPad doodling | Engadget.com (November)
Researchers Paint on 20-foot Electronic Canvas | Medill Reports Washington (November)
2009
Semi-Colon | Chicago, Illinois
2008
National Stereoscopic Association Annual Convention | Grand Rapids, Michigan
2008
DXARTS BFA Exhibition | Lawrimore Project | Seattle
2007
DXARTS Undergraduate Open Laboratory | The Chapel | Seattle
AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS AND ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2011Finalist, Image of Research Competition | University of Illinois at Chicago
2010
School of Art and Design Award | University of Illinois at Chicago
2010
Graduate Research Assistantship | Electronic Visualization Laboratory
2009
Board of Trustees Fellowship | School of Art and Design | University of Illinois at Chicago
2008
Special Award for Innovation | National Stereoscopic Association
