do you take JPEGs for granted? lol probably. this article by Omar Shehata digs in on how to decode a JPEG, as a way to learn about perception and vision. it’s a fascinating read and worth your time! it includes the open source code you need to get started on your own tinkering.
resource roundup!
ermagerd, LED earrings by Nina Zakharenko!
she presented them as part of her Python hardware keynote at PyCon over the weekend- there’s a live tweet thread of her presentation here and you can check out her deck here. …but I no what ur really after is this Github repo for the earrings so u can make ur own. in honor of PyCon she’s also made her Python fundamentals and Intermediate Python video courses free to watch on Frontend Masters until May 15! the accompanying website is also free and open source forever. make some time for this awesome resource!
this lil demo on how to implement a pin-to-bottom scrolling element with pure CSS is a tricky solution to a fussy problem!
James Grimwood recently began a series on relearning some mathematics in order to become a stronger programmer. you can check it out on his site. he’s started out with a free pdf on rearranging equations. it’s always worth a refresh!
do you want to learn C++ this year? here’s a new 30 Seconds of C++ series, for learning the language in bite-sized lessons. it’s specifically designed for beginners who are looking to familiarize themselves with the language without getting overwhelmed by other TMI resources. it also includes links to a bunch of other great resources for when you’re feeling ready to dive deeper!
and, here’s a friendly introduction to machine learning and decision trees that uses narrative examples to clarify the basics.
opportunities!
Toronto New Wave has an open call for interactive, VR, AR, XR and new media works for the 2019 program! the submission deadline is July 2, so you still have some time to put in some work on this one. they’re prioritizing new works completed after January 1, 2018 and projects intending to premier at the festival. get on it! you can fill out a submission here.
from March 18-22, 2020, the third edition of festival DIGITAL SPRING will take place in Salzburg, Germany. this year’s theme is STAND BY. there’s an open call for non-commercial media arts projects as well as a four-week residency from the end of February through the end of the festival. the deadline is June 30, 2019 so get on it if this sounds up your alley! more details here.
POWRPLNT is seeking volunteers! help them support access to creative tools and technology in Brooklyn by helping in the lab or leading events. email them at volunteer@powrplnt.org to get started.
submissions are open for Write/Speak/Code 2019! they are looking for speakers from all marginalized gender backgrounds to share their experience, skills, and life story with our community. this year’s conference will be in San Francisco, and selected speakers will receive a ticket to the conference, an honorarium, and need-based travel and lodging. you can submit a proposal here. and if you’re feeling nervous about submitting a proposal, here’s a great article on how to get started.
? upcoming events!
Wednesday May 8! hackaday.io: Shawn Hymel is hosting a Hack Chat on Wednesday on the subject of how to turn a hardware project into a marketable product. the talk will include:
- design for manufacture, making sure your widget be built;
- where to manufacture and how to navigate the process;
- the “marketing funnel”; and
- will it all be worth it?
you can add the event to your calendar here!
Friday May 10! Eyebeam! Brooklyn, NY, USA: “Instead of focusing on compliance and doing the minimum, what if we approach access creatively and generously, centering disability culture?” asks Eyebeam resident Shannon Finnegan. Finnegan, along with Michael Mandiberg, hosts a workshop on Disability Artistry: Alt-Text as Poetry at Eyebeam next month. you can read more about her practice here, and you can RSVP for this free (and surely amazing) workshop on bringing artistry into accessibility here.
Tuesday, June 18! Wythe Hotel! Brooklyn, NY: Eyebeam is turning 20 with a “Fête of the Future” benefit at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn this June. it’s definitely a splurge, but the event includes visuals created by THE FAMILY with art direction by Eyebeam resident Yo-Yo Lin, artist-led experiences up for auction from alumni Zach Lieberman, Lauren McCarthy, and Taeyoon Choi, as well as a live performance from Jasminfire. tix are available on Eventbrite.
just for lulz!
ahhhhh too cute!!!!
*~housekeeping~*
as always, submit to the open artist call if you have anything in the works that you are excited about! I swear I’m actually going to read through them and start pinging people (lol). and if you have an event or opportunity to promote (anywhere), please send me all the details. the next newsletter will cover the week of May 13 to 20, but I’m happy to promote events further in the future as well and keep them on the calendar.
we also now have a Discord channel! right now it’s just a few of us, but feel free to drop in and share a gif. I’m starting to experiment with new tools for building community and moving off of Facebook, and this is just one attempt! if you have recommendations for other tools and platforms that you enjoy, please let me know.
