View source for Students/SamanthaPeterson

== Mini bio ==

Hi, I'm Samantha Peterson - I usually go by "sami"

I'm an ICAM (visual) major because an art degree with an emphasis on programming is my idea of a good time.  I'm thinking of going into the video gaming industry to become an art director, but I could change my mind at any time.  Most of my personal art is in acrylics and mixed media, as well as charcoal drawings.  I haven't updated in awhile, but I have a [http://cpsami.deviantart.com deviantart].

=== Useful skills? ===
Following are the skills I have that might help me in this class.  Feel free to ask for help.
*programming - Java, Javascript
*HTML, CSS
*Photoshop, Illustrator
*Flash
*painting, drawing
*various crafts (jewelry, plastic bag fusing, making chocolate truffles?...)
*sewing
*learning Processing

== Field Research ==	

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/SDC14928.jpg

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/SDC14927.jpg

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/SDC14931.jpg

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/SDC14930.jpg

cheap and accessible solar power 

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/SDC14923.jpg

A camera I can actually dissect.  It ended up in a cooler overnight and takes ghostly pictures now - when it decides it wants to work, that is.

== Midterm Project ==
A Scaredy Plant

=== Rough Concept ===

I didn't like my other idea.  Mostly because I don't want to have to locate a Bible.  So, something fun instead: Happy Plant.    When you shine a light on it, it jiggles.  I'm stealing the parts from a vibrating back massaging device, and trying to learn how to make a photoresistor work...

Rough Visualizations:

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/happyplant.png

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/af128/zaydami/for%20school/happyplantcircuit.png

=== Final Design ===

I decided it would be more dynamic if the plant began by shaking, and would only stop when the viewer shines a bright light upon it.  The project becomes reinterpreted from a "Happy Plant" that enjoys light, to a "Scaredy Plant" that is afraid of the dark.  I think this is thematically more complex and interesting as well.  I have always wondered how plants feel about the dark, since they need light to survive.  Are they afraid that the sun might not rise again?  With a vibrating motor and a photoresistor, I've given the plant the ability to express its fear by quivering in its... roots.  

I think people will relate to their own fears of the dark with this project.  What would happen if the sun were blocked out by nuclear war?  What does it mean if the only emotion the plant can express is fear?  (By contrast, does it express relaxation?)  And aesthetically, what's the significance of combining something organic with a battery powered mechanical device?

Here is my circuit (coming soon):
I also included a switch that I cannibalized from a toy, and the 1k potentiometer so I can adjust light sensitivity for different light environments.

=== Photo Documentation  ===

coming soon.