Laci Coppins, Photographer Proposal Libraries are an anchor of the community, a third place. As American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg calls one's "first place," the individuals you live with or the home. The "second place" is the workplace where most actually spend great amounts of their time. Third places, then, are anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster broader more creative interactions. As an artist with the East Side Library Public Art Project, my goal remains to add to this third place creating an environment that reflects the community it serves; including the voices and memories of the community. Upon the closing of the original facility, patrons shared a personal memory of their East Side Branch Library. The collected memories were displayed for others to review, reflect upon and enjoy prior to adding them to a scrapbook (Image 1). My plan includes building upon these memories. Using the scrapbooked image and conversations with patrons, my objective includes a photographic interpretation of the image, printed on curved glass, along with an integration of technology. Soliciting the neighborhood patrons as models for the project, select memories are transformed into photographic stills (Image 2). Consistent with the new building design, 8 to 10 photographic images, contingent on discussions with the MPL staff and the architectural project team, are printed in black and white or color on curved glass. The 10.75 x 15 (3.25 pounds) curved glass panels are installed directly on/around 8 to 10 different columns throughout the space using 1 bolts; specifically in the children s section, adults section and north of the meeting room (Image 3). Images printed directly on the glass surface through a digital printing process, can be seen clearly from both sides and will be brought to life through augmented reality. Augmented Reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computergenerated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Augmented reality works by displaying layers of computer-generated information on top of a view of the physical world, and has demonstrated success with artists such as, Toronto based new media artist Jeremy Bailey and local Milwaukee painter and graphic artist Dena Nord. Using a smart device (i.e. tablet or phone) and a host app, observers visit the Laci Coppins Foto Fans Channel. Aligned with the camera from the device, the glass photographic image acts as a trigger and presents an alternate image on the screen, known as an overlay (Image 4). The AR overlay creates potential for varied topics, such as a short video, alternate images, or perhaps an interview with the community member. The viewer now interacts with the image. Working with MPL staff, the overlay allows potential for modification and future updates. For instance, on select designated days, specific overlays can be shown, such as the anniversary of the new library s opening, in essence recreating the initial installation and a new piece. Finally, potential Coppins L 1
also exists to use the entry recess column as a donor recognition area; including additional AR enhanced photographic glass panels. The design reflects its environment in using transparent materials. That said the following is taken into consideration. The ideal location and height of the artwork will need to be determined after discussion with the MPL staff and the architectural project team. Installed directly on the columns, as opposed to suspension from an alternate space, the risk of injury is nominal, but the specific placement and height will be important to ensure people avoid leaning into the object. Further, step process cards, installed in a key location or near each piece can assist with the ease of AR functionality and offer a self-service strategy in order to free staff. Each glass piece has a smooth surface and polished edges. Maintaining a clean reflective surface is ideal. Cleaned directly by dusting or with mild soap and water; maintenance is nominal. As the artist, I take into consideration that not every visitor will have a smart device, which adds to the importance of the image. However, just as libraries have embraced new generations of technology-- integration is ideal and technology is an integral part of the new East Side Branch Library. Working collaboratively with the MPL staff and the architectural project team is crucial to the success of this project. It is vital that the scrapbook images, photographic images and augmented reality overlays be agreed upon between the artist and MPL staff in order to ensure the voice and brand of both the artist and MPL is represented. Further, while I have selected specific vendors for printing materials, suggestions from the architectural project team are welcomed. Finally, discussion of all concepts and designs are valued. Confirmed sub consultants are in place in order to ensure the success of the project. These sub consultants include: Jasmine Barmore, Photo Assistant, Dena Nord, Graphic Artist to assist in the personalization of the app design, and Bruce Wydeven, Architect to assist with the installation of the curved glass panels. This photographic installation project is ideal for the newly designed space. The process as a whole maintains the community voice. The materials work with the architecture, compliment the prominent use of glass through out the space, and align with the clean layout and design. The translucent quality of the material creates a visual impact. Individual panels, applied directly to the columns, become a part of the flow as people pass through the space and maintain visibility regardless of your location in the library. With the natural light entering the space or the fluorescent lighting cast down each column, interactions occur with the material creating depth and texture. As the artist, using individual memories and augmented reality, allow me to offer (additional) instant gathering places throughout this third place encouraging on going community building. Coppins L 2
Laci Coppins, Photographer Image List Image 1 An example of a collected memory gathered from patrons upon the closing the East Side Library Branch. Pages were displayed for others to review, reflect upon and enjoy prior to adding them to a scrapbook. The images collected are source material for the project concept. Image 2 Soliciting the neighborhood patrons as models for the project, select memories are transformed into photographic stills. The stills, printed in black and white or color, on curved glass panels are an interpretation form the initial scrapbook memory. Image 3 The curved glass panels are installed directly on/around 8 to 10 different columns throughout the space. The translucent quality of the material creates a visual impact. Individual panels, applied directly to the columns, become a part of the flow as people pass through the space and maintain visibility regardless of your location in the library. With the natural light entering the space or the fluorescent lighting cast down each column, interactions occur with the material creating depth and texture. Image 4 Images printed directly on the glass surface through a digital printing process, can be seen clearly from both sides and are brought to life through augmented reality. The glass photographic image acts as a trigger and presents an alternate image on the screen, known as an overlay.