Drawing Machine Mutations

Description

Wiring a DC motor to a switch and batteries creates a simple machine that can create endless mutations of drawing machines. In this micro teach I review an ongoing drawing machine workshop used to learn about mark making, design thinking, iterative explorations, and mechanical art making. The mechanical component is simple, but the endless variety of outcomes teaches participants about ideation, problem solving, prototyping and play as methods of inquiry. The session outlines a simple making process that demonstrates important concepts in how people learn through making and material exploration.

Interaction

Audience members will be encouraged to interact with the drawing machine to demonstrate the mutation process and gain insight as to the generative nature of the workshop.

Takeaway

The mechanical component is simple, and audience members will have a basic concept of how to create the drawing machine mechanism by the end of the session. Additional insights will be derived from exploring the role of simple making processes that demonstrate important concepts in how people learn through material exploration.

Outcomes

The micro teach is connected to an ongoing research project that explores ideation, problem solving, prototyping and play as methods of inquiry in relation to the making process. Part qualitative study, part arts-based research, these drawing machine demonstrations and workshops are used to inform my research on how making and the arts create powerful experiences in creative exploration.