Update: The website idea is being more thoroughly examined, and I will most likely be incorporating it into the entire work. It will hopefully create a platform for dialog/discussion for people hiking, people yet to explore, and people who cannot get to these areas. Also, there will most likely be data about the area and possibly interesting factoids along the way.
Here are some of the snip-its from the final presentation images used that are also available on Flickr:
Capstone – Oneness
My thoughts for a capstone project arose when I was making prints for a gallery exhibition. I was overjoyed to be part of a gallery exhibition and to finally see my photos at a 18”x24” size. However, it hurt me to know that I was using valuable resources such as the paper and ink to put something on a stagnant wall. I wanted to do something that created an experience rather than a commodity, and that would also encourage people to stop thinking of being separate with nature but one.
Oneness
Laura DeVito
How do generosity (still working on that part) and oneness intersect with design – be it interactive, participatory, communication, disruptive, conceptual?
Humanity has never left nature, although people seek escape to nature. I am going to address how generosity and becoming one with nature can help address the problem of a disconnected society and illusion of being disconnected from nature. This issue is worthy because it will show people that “we’re all in this together,” and all life deserves time and consideration. This would be number one on the charts when it comes to ranking of wickedness because lack of awareness, empathy and connection leads to one-dimensional decisions that could lead to the end of human life and many other life-forms.
The Oneness Project:
I have hit a wall with the reason to actually print my photos. It is not environmentally friendly from the lack of decomposition in a healthy amount of time to the amount of energy it takes to actually produce one. All for the one reason that it will hang stagnantly on a wall.
Therefore, I would like to show people in an interactive way my perspective as an artist and the participants. I will purchase used frames and used or eco-friendly rope. Then, I will proceed to choose 3-5 different hiking trails around the Portland area and hang the frames along the trail in various orientations. If possible, I would like these frames to stay in position until they become one with nature again through decomposition. Another idea (that I’m not completely sold on) is to begin a website in which people can post their photos of the various frames. I think it would be interesting to show even though the frame is in the same position, there are still millions of possible perspectives. Thus, indicating how there are many points of view in society, no matter how narrow the field is assumed to be.
The partnerships to be had are with parker rangers or land owners of these trails. This is probably the most difficult obstacle, to earn trust and adhere to rules already set in stone. I would like to do a trial piece in Don’s epiphany class with the cohort on Peter’s land. This type of thing could also be replicated in other parts of the world.
The final deliverable will be these frames on the trails (or off), creating an experience rather than consuming valuable resources, reinforcing Oregon lifestyle of hiking and seeking out unique pieces in nature, and emphasizing our relationship with nature.
Assumed to be the more positive side of environmental problems compared to Heinberg. A part of the Illahee Lecture Series.
Intertwine Alliance:
Introduction to organization and class proposal for spring semester.
Heinberg is known as a classic doomer. It’s interesting because Paul Gilding, later on will be mentioned. They both seem to be saying the same thing, but Heinberg is seen as negative and Paul is seen as positive. It goes to show you that it’s the way you say the words that will put you in one label category or another.
One thing that stuck with me regarding Heinberg coming to our Software Ecosystems class was his advice on what people need. He said that all people need is food, shelter and meaningful work.
Amy Pearl (Peter’s class – Grad Seminar):
Springboard Innovation
We sat on the roof of MoCC and Amy spoke about leadership.
LDV: Wow – this person is full of knowledge (and energy). She also made reference to having a lot of happy hours with people for connections. Amy showed some items like …. (what was that thing that helped the crops*?) and a solar flashlight. She gives me hope of having a career that is diverse. Sharon is now quite interested in Hands to Hearts International – it seems like an amazing organization.
*zeba- superabsorbant for helping the soil to retain water (and in turn nutrients) for longer time frames…resulting in far better crop yields
Jared Cohen
http://www.mercycorps.org/events/2011/08/26/25615
Jared Cohen, Director of Google Ideas, talks about the burgeoning youth population, technology and peaceful change.
LDV: Jared reminded me to think about how laws were different from social norms. Also, there was an interesting story about how bluetooth was used in Iran. Young people would use it to communicate to other random phones that were within the vicinity – thus, another reminder of how an intended use for an object may change if you throw it into another culture.
Harish Hande: Democratizing Electricity
Sep 21, 2011 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM + Actually talking to Harish at MercyCorps the next day.
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LDV: I was reminded how much passion is the key for being motivated and creating inspirational work. He gave an example about how decentralized solar helps each person – and to design for the person (actually listen). For example, if a poor family has 3 lights, then you should design for that – not just give them a prescriptive remedy of a 10 light system they cannot afford.
DMF: Yeah, I liked how he stressed that the poor must be designed for; in Hande’s case, the problem with the market was not the high cost of the technology (or the need for its advancement), but designing social / financial solutions.
SFD: Harish inspires me!)
KM: (i have lots of notes from this in a doc; let me know if you’d like more info!) Centralized power systems are designed on assumptions for energy use that is actually much, much higher than is actually needed. It’s designed on assumptions for future use. For new technology, there needs to be a PARADIGM SHIFT of how innovation happens… understand the needs of the poor; who the innovation is for.
You haven’t created value if the poor can’t afford your product. What is the “glue” in a society? SCHOOL. Installed the solar panels at a school, and sell families a light & battery. The battery would be small enough to be carried easily by the children. They would bring it to school to charge while they studied, then bring the light home at the end of the day. Creating a system where the kids have to go to school to get the benefit of the electricity for their families. [Selco is] not a scalable model, but highly duplicatable.
Jim Sorenson - Cooperative Card Services
LDV: I learned that small business start-up might actually depend on whether their customers are giving them cash or card. Now, I’m carrying cash to support local businesses more.
SFD: Local small business can and need to COLLABORATE TO CREATE THEIR OWN CO-OP OF MERCHANT SERVICE PROVIDERS SO THEY CAN KEEP THEIR OWN MONEY !!!!!!
DRO:Actually, it may not save them money, but it will provide greater transparency and communication because localization will bring more face-to-face interaction and accountability.
David Yudkin – Hot Lips Pizza, He spoke about his business system and what he has gone through.
SFD : I liked the diagram he created. It was interesting to me.
DRO: Started in 1984 by 4 guys. The other 3 guys have since left because the business almost went under.
