JavaScript for Artists

Submitted Nov 28, 2017

Technical level: Intermediate

Modern JavaScript conventions, browser APIs, AI services and IoT hardware provide a unique platform for creating art. In this talk we’ll explore this type of creative, interactive application development and look at the libraries, APIs, services, hardware and approaches to creating expressive works with JavaScript — audio, visual and otherwise.

Outline

Introduction to types of interactive “art projects”
A very brief history of how technology influences art (and vice-versa)
A look at the JavaScript artist’s palette:
- Modern Browser APIs (Web Audio, Microphone, Camera, Web MIDI, Geolocation, etc.)
- JavaScript Libraries (p5.js, processing.js, three.js, etc.)
- Overview of JavaScript-friendly hardware (Espruino, CHIP, RasperryPi, etc.)
- Exploring AI and deep-learning-driven services (AWS Rekognition, Lex, Polly, etc.)
3-5 Code examples and demos using previously mentioned APIs, libraries and hardware
Future APIs, services and creative potential
How creative exploration makes us better developers (summary)

Requirements

I have a complimentary workshop I can deliver based on this topic. I also have a (better developed) workshop based on the talk I gave last year regarding JavaScript + MIDI, if desired.

For either workshop a laptop with Chrome installed would required.
For the MIDI workshop there is a provided-hardware component I would want to discuss with the conference organizers.

Speaker bio

George Mandis is a freelance web developer, consultant, frequent traveler and occasional educator based primarily out of Portland, Oregon. He’s worked with startups, professional sports teams, small businesses and individuals but excels at helping people find elegant solutions for their projects. He spent a year living as a digital nomad, inadvertently cheated at a marathon in North Korea and writes frequently on technology and travel on his website.

JSFoo: round the year submissions