Digital Structures and Light Movements

This paper discusses 'Drawing Structures and Light Movements’; an experimental artwork consisting of a computer screen showing digitally captured drawings, and an LED matrix showing the movement patterns and rhythms derived from them. It was developed as part of Rolinson and Clark's on-going research into techniques for translating Esther Rolinson’s drawings into light works. It makes use of a custom digital drawing tool made to accurately capture Rolinson's mark-making processes and replay them in real-time. Analysis of this drawing data has made it possible to extract rhythms from the drawings to create light sequences on an LED matrix. Rhythms that are not always immediately apparent within the original mark making appear to offer insights in to the drawing process and reveal something deeper about the relationships between hand-made and digital processes of construction. Esther Rolinson’s drawings have a relationship to computer-constructed images and drawing machine processes. However, although they use repetitive algorithmic-like processes they are nuanced with spontaneity and gesture. This artwork examines the relationship between the form, timing, and sequential appearance of marks. It analyses fine differences between apparently identical processes, aiming to map subtle systems and structures in the drawings. It reflects a curiosity about structures embedded in human actions and sensations.