P.L.A.C.E. Program
Jonathan Strawn
Footsteps on the Wind-Reactions to the Evolution of Space
Jonathan Strawn is a video artist studying Media Arts at the University of New Mexico. His video work has included narrative and non-narrative work, and he has worked on the annual Duke City Shoot- Out(Formerly Digifest, Formerly Flicks on 66). When he began working with video with a High8 home camcorder in 1996, hi editing equipment was nothing more than the camera connected between 2 VCRs. Jonathan is also pursuing a minor in Art History and has written numerous academic papers on film history and theory. He will graduate with his Bachelor of the Arts in Media Arts in Spring of 2008.
What began as a straightforward film project has evolved into an interactive educational tool for contemporary media. Within the framework of reacting to the evolution of spaces from grave sites to undeveloped land to fully utilized property, this project invites you to develop your own response to this process and provides an oppourtuinity to learn new artistic techniques. Jonathan Strawn has created several "video poems" about these spaces, and they are included on the DVD. Also included on the DVD are many of the original, unedited, videos that Jonathan shot as part of this project. By inserting the DVD into any computer, you will be able to access these files and learn how to use freely available tools to create your own art, thus continuing the evolution of space. Just as this land went from being a place for the dead to a place for new life, this project encourages viewers to bring the video "back to life" and keep it alive and evolving. Using internet sites such as youtube, you can share your work with others and see the work others have done.