I MET ERICH ...
at Ateleir Nord, Oslo
01 November 2004

Following Laura's advise, I contacted Erich Berger, artist and creator of many things. He is currently working at Ateleir Nord in Oslo in the capacity of consultant and directing and producing a series of physical computing workshops called "Making Sense".

Here's a link to his website:
http://randomseed.org/

And here's a link to Making Sense:
http://anart.no/?location=90&language=english&skin=2

I asked him for help regarding the viability and technical and economic issues of revamping the pump organ into a synaesthetic testing instrument, and eventually presenting it as an artwork.

We counted physical inputs and outputs, software issues, discussed different approaches, sensors, motors, fog machines, control modules, etc, until we had an overview of the basic requirements. Then he assessed the costs and stressed the importance of constructing a reliable instrument. In his opinion, after an initial prototype - parts testing period, I should concentrate on the technification of the organ, and then work on the various cross sensory connections, etc. As he has much experience in physical computing, I am more than willing to take his advice. He also suggested that I attend the "Making Sense" workshops, and that I should use Ateleir Nord's sensor testing facilities for prototyping.