Blog | Martin-Calvino-Art | United States

martin calvino

artist - scientist

focused on

abstract painting, textiles,

the intersection of

media arts with

genomics, machine learning

and tango culture

The momentary life of an image: using light as medium of plastic expression

Dec 15, 2017
2 min

The momentary life of an image: using light as medium of plastic expression

In this work I used light as a generative force in the creation of abstract compositions. I explored the creation of light-infused environments by illuminating acrylic sheets of different colors and transparencies, subsequently taking photographs and subjecting them to a custom algorithm that resulted in abstract art compositions on their own. The inspirational source of the current art experiment emerged by reading the work of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and an art piece by Otto Pien

week_6: mounting motors

Dec 14, 2017
1 min

week_6: mounting motors

For this class assignment I exercised the mounting of a DC motor from Adafruit's experiment kit using a custom mount created from the accessories that accompany blinders set for mounting on window's houses. The plastic enclosures that are mounted on windows wooden frames provided me with the right size of mount, containing plenty of wholes in which to place fasteners to fix the mount onto any piece of wood. Figure 1. Placing a DC motor within a plastic enclosure usually used

week_5: creating threads of rolled paper and cord as early attempt to an artistic curtain

Dec 4, 2017
1 min

week_5: creating threads of rolled paper and cord as early attempt to an artistic curtain

For this class assignment I decided to create the proof of concept of an artistic curtain inspired on a family tradition as activity for rainy and snowy days. I learned the technique from my mother in law and decided to do it and describe the process here. The materials used were: 1- paper (cut in triangular shape) 2- Elmer's glue 3- Super stretchy cord 4- Metallic rod 4- Metallic clip The process involves cutting paper in small triangles. Any paper can be recycled for this p

week_4: fabricating an enclosure for physical computing project (in progress)

Dec 4, 2017
2 min

week_4: fabricating an enclosure for physical computing project (in progress)

This assignment involves creating an enclosure for a physical computing project and thus, serves as post for both of classes: fabrication & physical computing. The chosen architecture for the enclosure is a wooden box of size 21.5 x 21.5 mm (8.5 x 8.5 inches) that I bought at AC Moore Art & Craft Store. What I found particularly interesting in this box was the capacity for sliding in a sheet of acrylic as it cover, giving me the opportunity to design the cover and later creat

week_3: acrylic + laser cutter art experiment

Nov 27, 2017
2 min

week_3: acrylic + laser cutter art experiment

In order to learn how to use the laser cutter as class assignment, I decided to use acrylic as material in which to cut and edge. The overall idea is to create an experimental sculpture using the light properties of acrylics when illuminated with a light source after they are cut, edged and bended. I selected six different acrylic sheets of size (6 X 12 inches) with sickness of 3.0 mm (4 sheets) and 1.5 mm (2 sheets) respectively. Acrylic sheets were bought at Canal Plastics

week_2: fabricating multiples

Nov 27, 2017
1 min

week_2: fabricating multiples

For this class assignment I explored the idea of creating a modular notebook holder in the form of a simple sculptural piece. Five blocks of wood were cut from a longer piece. For each block, five individual holes were made in which I placed a wood rod of varying length. When two or more blocks are placed next to each other, they offer support to store notebooks or folders. By placing them horizontally or vertically, the netbooks can be parallel or perpendicular to the table

week_1: flash light

Nov 27, 2017
1 min

week_1: flash light

For this project I followed one of the ideas described at the 'Instructables' website (http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Popsicle-Flashlight/) as link suggested on the supplementary materials to this class syllabus online. The idea is very simple and easy to execute. I selected it because of its teaching potential in explaining what a circuit is to my five years old daughter at home. It uses aluminum foil, paper clipper, copper wire, 3V battery and a LED light. The LED ligh