ART

Art geeks get appointed

by paintergirl on May 17 2010, 03:00PM

Lauren Brown has been officially certified by the Australia Council an art geek.

The Australia Council for the Arts has matched tech-savvy go-getters with nine selected arts organisations to help them explore a new world of digital possibilities.

Lauren and her other fellow geek winners will share their passion for solving technological problems in creative environments, helping arts workers be better equipped to work in digital spaces. The Geek in Residence program offers intensive professional development for artists and organisations in their home environment.

Lauren has been teamed up with Melbourne's West Space for a dynamic experience at the coal face of daily art life.

Lauren talks to The Vine about her new role, her own geekdom and creative passions.

How do you feel about being an official "geek"? What does being a geek mean to you?

I’m so excited – I’m like a kid in a sweet store, it’s kind of embarrassing. I still can’t quite believe how perfect the role is for me ‘cos I’m not the geekiest of them all, but I guess I’m still pretty tech-heavy compared to others.

I get to work with some amazing artists and curators to solve the kinds of problems that can be a pain in the arse to solve – getting the right equipment match to the artwork or task at hand.

I also get to be super organised, work on some of the office systems and make the tech section of the gallery/storeroom really awesome to use.

That’s what being a geek is – getting excited about stuff that most people yawn about and helping artists make technology actually work for them. Well, you know, as much as I can.

Why do you think it's important for technology and art to come together?

Art and technology has always come together – artists are notorious for their voracious appetite in trying out new equipment or processes; pushing the boundaries of what can be created.

What I do think is important is for that to be recognised and to invest in the the kinds of resources afforded other tech-influenced industries. You wouldn’t think about putting on a theatre performance without a tech director on board. Or a major retail environment without a tech support team. Based on how relieved the artists have been to have their own geek on hand (me), I’d say most art spaces need them too.

What are some of your past projects that have investigated geekery?

I think the geekiest thing I’ve done was to actually start the blog – it opened up a can of geek worms that I have been unable and unwilling to return from. I got a crash course in html, exposure to the joy of twitter and now use the word ‘meta’ way more often than is comfortable.

Other recent projects which gave away my geek status include a shortlisted laneways project that involved google maps, my masters research into the relationship between sound, headphones and the public space and a video projection in a craft show amongst hot jewellery, fashion and ceramics peeps.

You're one of four women to be granted this position. How does that feel?

Admittedly, it really doesn’t surprise me that the geeks are predominantly lads – boys love specs and all technology is about specs.

But it is pretty awesome to be part of a small group of ladies representin’ and really the program has been spearheaded by our geek Aunty – Fee Plumley.

Phip (as the contact for West Space) and I are the only all-ladies team which is pretty cool. Maybe that’s because we’re from Melbourne and you know, we’re all a bit more evolved down here – right? Heh.

Why are you a good match for West Space?

I think I’m a good match for West Space because I know the gallery pretty well, I’m an artist who has worked in artist-run-initiatives before and I have a pretty good understanding of exhibiting and installing AV works. Add to that my experience in working with databases and websites in arts organisations and it was a good fit.

Oh, and I have tattoos of a robot boy and Tank Girl. That’s an instant match, apparently.

What major tech-savvy pieces of magic are you bringing to West Space?

I have this special magic wand that just makes all pieces of electronic equipment work exactly how you want them to.

Actually, I was a little nervous that maybe I wasn't techy enough. I can't recite the specs of a complex electronic circuit, or break down every kind of video codec available known to man.

But I am super-organised and get excited about making things all easy and efficient. I know a little bit of tech stuff about a lot of things, I’m good at languages which means I can often translate techspeak into laymen terms well enough. And, like a good library-goer, I know how to find the information I need.

What are some of your favourite online technological resources?

Gizmodo! Its like tech-porn and it’s dangerous. I’ve avoided it for so long, but now I feel like I can justify the RSS feed.

YouTube video tutorials are ace. As are online forums.

Rhizome is great for art/tech crossover and Graffiti Research Lab for renegade tech goodness.

Instructibles is also a site I’ve had to restrain myself from for a while, but I’m loving it again.

swiss miss – her blog is design oriented, but she has all kind of rad tech/geek gadgets.

I also have a couple of online organisey tools that I love: printable checklist, delicious, moo cards, dopplr and whenisgood.

What does a geek like you have in her bag?

Er... right now I have a truckload of embarrassingly nerdy stuff – I've done a Whats In My Bag:

7 sets of headphones

6V power supply

Pencil case