Glint, Glimmer, Glow
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May 14, 2024- June 29, 2024
solar panels, reclaimed steel, wood, battery, chain maille, salt crystals, stones, petri dishes,
microscopy videos, dichroic film, carbon steel, SDSS plates, projectors, and soundtrack
of freezing ice and dripping lake water
Approx. Interior Dimensions: 44' x 26' x 25'​
Location: The Art Center in Corvallis, Oregon
Soundtrack mixed from sounds recorded in Iceland including ice and ravens
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Glint, Glimmer, Glow is an experiment. A proof of concept. A statement about protecting our Earth.
An exhibit inspired by the physics of solar wind, powered by solar energy. It shows what is possible
when members of the community work toward a common goal.
The moving images in Glint, Glimmer, Glow include auroras, microorganisms, and landscape vignettes. To juxtapose galactic-scale natural phenomena occurring alongside the microscopic producers who are the foundation of Earth’s complex ecosystem, is a reminder that we have always been interconnected. The auroras’ subliminal presence has influenced human culture for centuries, historically inspiring origin stories and continuing to inspire cautionary tales. The undulating lights of the auroras are projected onto chainmail, a metal fabric designed by humans to protect human bodies. The chainmail has been woven together in banded tapestries emulating shapes of auroras and serving as a metaphor for Earth’s own semi-permeable electromagnetic armor.
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Like the auroras that are energized by the sun’s activity, the projectors and sound equipment in Glint, Glimmer, Glow are also powered by solar energy. In partnership with The Art Center and The Design for Social Impact Initiative at Oregon State University, a team of engineering students from Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, collaborated with us to design, prototype, and build the renewable energy system that not only powers the exhibit, but is a visible part of the show.
The physical integration of the energy system’s hardware into the design of the installation elevates the energy source as a vital part of the conversation. Using both recycled and new materials to craft the system, our goal is a net-zero exhibition experience. There is an urgent need for engineers, artists, community members, and funders to create solutions for powering our arts and cultural institutions using renewable energy. Our team is at the forefront of this challenge offering a possible solution for other cities and institutions to build from. ​​
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​This exhibition was generously supported by the Salem Art Association, Oregon State University
College of Engineering, Pacific Power, and The Oregon Arts Commission.
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With Gratitude:
Thank you to everyone who made this exhibition a success: Valtýr Sigurðsson, BioPol, Skagaströnd, Iceland; Sævar Helgi Bragason, University of Iceland, Reykjavík; Gunnlaugur Björnsson, University of Iceland, Reykjavík; Oregon State University Design for Social Impact; Sarah Jo Menke, Willamette University Studio Art and Environmental Sciences; Gabriel Naomi, OSU College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Alexander O’Sullivan, OSU College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Hubert Sobiewski, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; Carson Donaldson, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; Camden Warme, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; NES International Artist Residency, Skagaströnd, Iceland; Oregon Arts Commission Career Opportunity Grant; Oregon Arts Commission Photo Documentation Support Grant; Nicole Aline Legault, photographer based in Montreal, Canada; Cayla Skillin-Brauchle, Associate Professor, Willamette University; James Weiss, Scientist, Microscopy expert; The Arts Center, Corvallis, OR; Jennie Castle, The Arts Center Curator; Andrew Myers; Katie Hegglin; Randel C. Moore; Jeanne Rose Roxby; Holden Head, Visiting Assistant Professor, Willamette University; Marcus Bingham, Theater Instructor, OSU College of Visual, Performing and Design Arts; Willamette University
Studio Art; Corvallis Sustainability Coalition; Mike’s Bargain Center, TAC Exhibition Committee members
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Select Press:
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Science Meets Art: The Mesmerizing World of Glint, Glimmer, Glow
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Solar Powered Exhibit is a First​
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OSU College of Engineering: Glint, Glimmer, Glow
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Video Created by Camden Warme, Carson Donaldson and Hu Sobiewski.