David Caputo is hankering for a challenge.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Kate Hartman, an artist, teacher and member of the Interactive Telecommunications Program at Tisch School of the Arts. Kate works in a variety of mediums from simple analog wearable projects that explore how we communicate with ourselves to Arduino powered devices that let our plants Twitter their needs. What most draws me to Kate’s work is the way it combines practicality with playfulness and whimsy. Botanicalls, for instance, is a boon to those of us who regularly murder the most robust houseplants due to lack of attention. Kate’s device enables our usually stoic and inanimate green friends to reach out to us when they need help (I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!). Her Muttering Hat project instantly reminded me of a garment that might be worn by a little Hoo from Hooville. But it also serves as a wearable illustration; a garment that gives us an opportunity to get some distance from thoughts that may be immediately overwhelming and even assist us in sharing those thoughts with others.

Check out more of Kate’s work at: www.katehartman.com

Kate Hartman creates new tools for expression through innovative and playful applications of technology. Her individual and collaborative projects span the fields of telephony, electronics, fashion, and art. She holds a B.A. from Bard College in Film and Electronic Media and a Masters from New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

Last week I got a chance to talk with two cofounders of NYC Resistor, Eric Skiff and Bre Pettis. NYC Resistor, located in Downtown Brooklyn, is a hacker space that is home to 30 artists, designers and technologists who bring a mixed bag of skills and interests to this eclectic space. The vision according to their wiki is to “Build a group of hackers who work on projects together to increase awesomeness.” Aside from serving as their studio, the group also opens the space up to the public for Craft nights that happen every Thursday. Various technology classes are also offered and are taught by members and visiting specialists.

Website: http://www.nycresistor.com/

 
I recently cobbled together a BEAM style walking robot using the unique staple circuit known as the “bicore” and a single servo. The bicore is a really neat little circuit that powers a whole slew of different bot designs in the BEAM Bestiary. Its funny because I have been tinkering with the Arduino to try and build some simple bots and have realized that it is way more power and a bit unnecessary for what I want to do. The BEAM system caught my eye when I was looking through an old issue of MAKE Magazine because they are simple, cheap and the designs tend to be very clever. They use very simple pieces in interesting ways so that the whole becomes much great than its parts. Though I do not have an advanced understanding of electronics I can understand most of the principles that make up the bicore. There are countless pages detailing different designs but the thing that always impresses me most about the majority of the designs is doing a lot with a little. By building on a simple design people are making really cool robots!I would highly recommend starting out a Solar Roller or Pummer if you are looking for a simple, low cost and fun way to get into Robotics! Click here for a Tutorial on how to make your own! 

Kroosh and I should be heading over to NYC Resistor to check out Craft night. I am hoping to buy a little time on the laser cutter (LAZZZZZOOOOOR) to get a few pieces cut for a little lighting project I have been thinking about. The space collectively purchased a 35 watt Epilog laser. Occasionally there are classes that go over the basics of designing for and using the laser.

If you have not checked out Resistor you definitely should. The best way to jump in would be to take one of their fantastic classes I mentioned above. I have taken a few so far and they are really fun. Lots of good ole friendly people hacking interesting things and sharing what they know.

I have heard very good things about the Arduino classes (If Funky, Get Loopy) but I haven’t seen any posted in quite a while. You have to keep close tabs on the class list because they have a tendency to fill up very quickly.

Happy Hacking!

I saw a video that Bre Pettis posted about making sympathy dolls and it made me want to make some of my own. I have gads of old clothing that are so ruined that I can’t give them away but they are perfect for scrapping together some plush robots.I think it came out pretty well for my first robot. It hangs from the ceiling by a thread that comes out of its poor broken robot heart.My future plans include making them writhe in emotional pain while they hang helplessly from their heart strings.