Creative Coding for Moving Image Artists with Margot McEwen

Discover how coding can become a tool for play, experimentation, and image-making in this introductory workshop led by artist Margot McEwen. This workshop continues LUX’s ongoing exploration of experimental moving image practices, inviting participants to see coding as another language for making and thinking with images.

Designed for artists, filmmakers, and anyone curious about moving image and technology, this session introduces the creative possibilities of live, interactive video coding using Pure Data (Pd) and GEM (Graphics Environment for Multimedia).

Pure Data is a live, visual programming language. Live meaning that we see the result of our code immediately. Visual meaning code is written by drawing connections between different objects. This combination makes it intuitive to learn, and an excellent tool for artists to experiment with.

In the workshop we will learn how to manipulate live and pre-recorded moving images, how to create and modify simple video effects, and how to combine those effects to make something complex and unique.

The live nature of Pure Data means you can immediately spot any mistakes, in this workshop we will try to embrace these mistakes, and find ways to use them creatively.

No prior coding experience is necessary for the workshop.

Pure Data is a very lightweight programme, so you do not need to have a powerful computer to take part in this workshop.

Required

- A laptop with an integrated webcam (and/or) USB webcam

• If using a Mac it must be running macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher.
• Please get in touch if you do not have a laptop or webcam and we will see if we can accommodate you. (events@lux.org.uk)

- A copy of Pd-L2Ork (free download)

• Windows
• Mac (Intel)
• Mac (Apple Silicon)
• Linux

* Please make sure you can install the software before booking a ticket, and get in touch if you don’t have a computer that can, so we can try to accommodate you. (events@lux.org.uk)

-A copy of the resources folder (download link to be shared with Participants)

Optional

• A USB MIDI controller or instrument
• Your own images and short digital videos on a USB drive

Margot McEwen is a filmmaker / computer-artist exploring transcoding (the conversion of one moving image format to another) as an artform unto itself, and its relationship to transgender identity. Her work recombines techniques from silent film, structuralist film, analogue video art, and computer art to interrogate the materiality of the digital image. Through a commitment to repurposing ‘obsolete’ technology in her work, she applies the principles of permacomputing to her practice.

General: £24

Concession 1: £18

Concession 2: £12

Concession tickets are offered for those who might experience barriers in attending. To make participation in the event as accessible as possible, you won’t be asked for any proof or ID – we just ask that you are honest.

Here are the questions to think about when planning to purchase a concession ticket:

• I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them.
• I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs.
• I am able to afford non-essential expenses, such as dining out or entertainment activities.
• I have very limited expendable income.
• I rarely buy new items.

Getting here:

LUX is located in Waterlow Park (Highgate), near the Dartmouth Park Lodge Gate on Dartmouth Park Hill. Please note Waterlow Park is on a hill and from Archway Station there is a steep walk up Highgate Hill. You can learn more about public transport options and their accessibility on our website.

Visual Story: How to get here

Address:

LUX, Waterlow Park Centre, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, N19 5JF, UK. Entrance location on what3words https://w3w.co/rates.fallen.joins

Step Free Access:

The LUX building is wheelchair accessible and there are wheelchair accessible toilet facilities.

You can learn more about detailed access information on our website here.

If you have any access needs or questions about the workshop, please get in touch with us at events@lux.org.uk