Mindtracks tracks my interests in web design, digital image making, cultural resources online and the broader topic of the visual arts. I am also interested in how the web may be used by visual artists to enhance and promote their studio practice. Mid 2007 I started to explore Second Life. For anyone who is interested in making things, or how we represent ourselves Second Life is a fascinating and complex experience. I have had a long interest in online communities, how they work and why they work, so I am exploring that world too and documenting my reactions along the way.
I also use this blog to provide links to various online resources for my students in courses run out of the Computer Arts Studio at the School of Art, which is part of the Australian National University. The course is described as
This course covers Web Design and Network Literacy for designer makers and visual artists. The course introduces e-commerce for studio based designers. It is expected that as part of the course students will host their own site and register their own domain name.
In addition to web design and mastering the tools required to publish to the web, a key area of this course is developing skills and understanding Network Literacy and Social Software. In other words how to represent, think, write, promote, market and engage with others online. Students develop an understanding of the social, creative, ideological, legal, and ethical implications of publication in the context of an online network. Apart from the technical skills of developing a website the course covers developments such as social software, creative production online and the implications for designer makers.
Students plan, produce and publish a web site that may assist them in their professional life as designers and visual artists. Content is created using Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver. Apart from website design and construction students engage with Web 2.0 technologies, RSS, blogging software and its use, as well as web design issues such as accessibility, usability, statistics collection, legal issues associated with copyright, and search engine optimisation.
I have had sites online since 1996. Sharon b’s in a minute ago is my current personal website. I also keep a personal blog on contemporary and historical textiles. In between this mix of personal and professional material you should be able to piece together a sense of who I am and a bit of what I do.
Please note that all comments are moderated. I really don’t like spam bots and the only reason I moderate comments. I will approve comments as soon as I check back here - usually daily.
