Aim Presentation

I aim to exhibit a live VJ set, mixing video in conjunction with a live DJ.

A VJ mixes live and/or pre-recorded video in conjunction with other artists such as a DJ.
A VJ can use a laptop, live cameras or hardware such as video mixers to produce visuals.
Usualy a VJ will have a library of visual samples they have prepared earlier in order to mix with.

In an earlier module I studied sound and image generation which gave me an interest in editing video to music and sounds.



Video Art



Few Other Things :

'Smile' was done for video art or sound and image generation:



This was a video i took of a friday night in, more towards the end it becomes more like what i want to do with my VJ visuals:



I want the visuals to stick closely to the sound. I don’t just want to play some videos over some music.

coldcut and hexstatic - timber

Sense of Humour! Recycling clips and Nostalgia.

Lovey's and Sinden - Organ Grinder Hexstatic

Experiment with and learn different VJ software such as Resolume and modul8 to find out what is actually possible and which software is best for what I want to achieve.
Experiment with different hardware for the same reason. - The uni has a visual mixer that I will have a go on.
At the same time I am collecting and producing a library of visual samples.
I think during this process I will have time to think about my theme and topic.
I don’t want my final piece to rely too heavily on having a theme or a “message” I hope it will be more abstract and concentrate on how well it goes with the music and the quality of the image.
I’ve also started a live journal so I can document my research and progress. And here it is!

AIM

This is my aim so far:


I aim to exhibit a live VJ set, mixing video in conjunction with a live DJ.
To do this I will have to collect and produce a library of original visual samples, learn new software/hardware from scratch and explore audio visual and club culture in order to understand the role of the VJ. I will also try to consider and experiment with new possibilities.

I see this as a chance to continue my exploration into generating visuals inspired by audio. At the same time as learning something new, I will be using the knowledge I gained in modules such as 'Sound and Image Generation', 'Video Art' and many Photography modules.
I hope this will allow me to break free from conventional forms of producing video and play more loosely with video samples including found and existing footage and original video. I will apply the knowledge I have gained from earlier film craft and video modules to create original and visually interesting video and Photography which will form the basis of my VJ work.

The exciting thing about this art form is that it is accessible by anyone who is already interested in parties, electronic music and club experiences, which include people of all ages and backgrounds. As a form of entertainment is usually aimed at this group of people, and as an art form it has the ability to send a message to a relatively underground but open minded section of society.
VJ sets are generally exhibited in club or party venues which include urban and rural locations. Having worked a little with projection in the past i am excited to explore ways in which it can be used to enhance the VJ experience.

I hope to adopt a few principles when creating my work. These might include:
1, Keep it simple – if the original video is simple there will be more room for creativity in the mixing.
2, Cultivate the accident – notice happy accidents and adapt them to the work without fully relying on them.
3, Use only quality samples – [not as in resolution]
4, Add humour – celebrate and encourage the sense of humor. I would prefer my visuals not to be pretentious or self important.

What's This?

This is going to be a record of my journey through VJing...

Im currently studying for my Visual Communication degree at university, I'm in my final year and have been asked to keep a live journal to keep track of my findings, research, experiments and thoughts, so here it is.

I am altogether new to VJing so lets start at the beginning:

"A VJ is a performance artist who creates moving visual art (often video) on large displays or screens, often at events such as concerts, nightclubs and music festivals, and usually in conjunction with other performance art. This results in a live, multimedia performance that can include music, actors or dancers as well as live and pre-recorded video.

The term VJ originates from a parallel with the term Disc Jockey or DJs, although most VJs nowadays have more in common with musicians than with DJs."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VJ_(video_performance_artist)

My research will include:

1: Books

2: Websites

3: Studies of existing VJs

4: Attending parties and club nights that exhibit live visuals to document practicing VJ's work

5: Contacting practicing VJs

This list will no doubt grow over time as I find more sources.

I am also required to wright a dissertation which will also be on the subject of VJing.

One of the problems I can foresee is the lack of books on the subject, it is a relatively new art form mainly used in clubs and parties which remain quite underground, therefor VJing is not well documented.

Another requirement of this module is to produce an audit on myself listing my skills, interests and so on, almost like a CV. I will be posting that here too.

My assessment I have been told, can take place at a gig. I plan to use a club or party to exhibit my live visuals.

I have been given my first direction on the road to VJ.
Visit vjcentral.com