It is wonderful to get started on the prototype design for my photocatalysis / photodegradation process for using light to break down plastics, to incorporate into a “the trash can of the future,” a novel approach that removes and prevents trash from circulating in the environment.
This idea I originally submitted to the MIT Solve climate adaptation challenge when it was in the rough idea phase, so it was not selected for funding at that juncture.
Now, the device is materializing from idea into reality. The first test went much better than expected, even producing some water as byproduct. Today, I followed the successful 30 minute trial, I started making design modifications.
Sometimes great results come from using what one has, alongside a strong idea. I am seeking support and funding though, as this will become necessary.
Interested in getting involved, and helping this utopian eco-tech come to fruition? Please drop me a line or donate to the GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/34ca6439
Supplies are much needed, from lighting to emissions testing equipment. The road to completing a safe and operation device will be much more efficient with support. Thanks in advance! And I look forward to posting more updates on this.
Up until now, the most common materials, both lightweight and strong, for spaceships and satellites have included aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon composites, and steel. More generally speaking, alloys and composites. Alloys are a mixture of metals and metal with non-metal; composites are a combination of materials with very different compositions. And for aerospace, they have to withstand extreme conditions such as large temperature variations, atmospheric pressure differences, radiation exposure, and impact. (1)
One especially compelling reason for the use of “metamaterials,” or synthetic composites, in space is that they can be fine tuned or specialized for novel performance. And “meta” means “beyond.” An example of a novel or unnatural behavior is with stacked graphene, the layers exhibit unconventional and advantageous magnetism. (2) And one prominent use of metamaterial in action lately is the NASA solar sail. Exotic custom materials seem like the perfect choice for the exotic space environment(s).
The space environment is unnatural to us, yet there it waits in its vastness for our exploration, asking that humanity get beyond the exploitation of militarism, to invest in the expansion of life, rather than death. The cosmos is nature, and also our home, just a bit more difficult for us to access, like the deep sea here on Earth.
Among other uses, metamaterials could help build the bridge to interstellar civilization, alongside quantum mechanics, electronics, magnetism and acoustics. Space, after all, is not a void, and is rich with particles and electromagnetic frequencies and fields. And advances in imaging and detection continue to yield more detail of this “unseen” realm.
Metamaterials offer great possibilities in many sectors due to their unusual properties: Miniaturization, and their ability through patterned artisanal design to interface with cosmic forces, such as the electrostatic field. They form a relatively new and exciting branch of material science.
Imagine a propellantless spacecraft! The company Falcon Space for one is currently is – that uses its structure and composition for propulsion, with significantly reduced weight. This is deep circular tech on the atomic and subatomic levels, making use of “alternative physics.” (3)
So what are some of promising metamaterials in development for aerospace? And what are the qualities that make them such?
One example of a useful quality is “negative refractive index” which means that the material reverses wave propagation. That would lend itself well to shielding. And “split ring resonators” to adjust electromagnetic response.
The overall ability of these designer polymers to manipulate electromagnetic waves can help navigate the space environment, with micro interactions interfacing with macro phenomena, such as stellar wind and electric currents and the cosmic web.
Logarithmic mathematical scales represent orders of Magnitude or proportional relationships. A measure like IQ however is linear and only applies to humans, though. And while some of life is linear—
Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted emergence, and not unique to humans. IQ has been more of a shorthand for convenience anyway, not capturing the full picture of multiple types, such as spatial or naturalistic, of intelligence and does not apply to other organisms. I realize that some may consider one form or just a few forms of human biological intelligence to be superior. Human intelligence, though, is the conglomerate of the evolution of other intelligences, from a great tapestry. And I consider the total intelligence of our biological lives completely amazing.
Here I consider other existing constructs that exhibit types of intelligence -from a modern day multidimensional viewpoint, that includes but is not limited to linear processes. Cognition or mind is increasingly shown as a quantum cloud, rather than a sequential computer. Although, algorithms are becoming more advanced in order to fulfill and aid more advanced problem solving in nature. Conversely, there are situations in which the pure logic of sequencing is advantageous, such as optimizing physical properties.
A natural elegant logarithmic expression occurs in the beautiful nautilus. Quite remarkably, as the animal grows, it adds new chambered sections to its shell in a way that follows a logarithmic spiral. The result is an intricate structure that provides buoyancy and protection for the nautilus. And it’s known for its relative longevity.
This logarithmic spiral pattern is also found in various natural phenomena, including certain plants, galaxies, and hurricanes.The form represents optimal packing and energy efficiency. And in a way, this can be considered a form of organizational intelligence.
The mathematical equation that describes a logarithmic spiral is r = a * e^(bθ), where “r” is the distance from the center, “a” and “b” are constants, and “θ” is the angle.(1)(2)
Another important logarithmic related phenomenon in nature is the inverse concept of exponential growth or decay.
While not so obvious in physical structure as a logarithmic spiral, exponential growth and decay processes are fundamental in various natural systems and can be described using logarithmic functions. This is important such subjects as biology, physics, chemistry, economics, earth science and computer science. Logarithms have also been important to optimizing algorithms for example.
Also from computer science is Moore’s Law, concerning exponential growth or doubling of transistors on a microchip. Its relevance is changing because it is unidirectional for one particular property, while technologies and materials are upgrading. That’s another branch of the story! (3)
Relative growth or “allometry” of patterns in the different realms of nature varies, from symmetries to stripes. And there are many manifestations of cyclical growth or transformation from the lives of stars to the ebb and flow of life with the seasons. (4)
Another interesting candidate for consideration of intelligence: Efficiency.
Efficiency can apply to structure as mentioned before, extending to energy and energy usage. Here’s a general formula for electric power efficiency in kilowatts:
Efficiency (η)= Output Power / Input Power)×100%
The human system is of course far more complex than say a solar array.(5)
In various applications, the specific form of this equation may vary. For example, in the context of a heat engine, the efficiency can be expressed using the Carnot efficiency formula related to change in temperature. These are but slices or aspect layers of the whole.
Another interesting metric is magnetic flux Density (B), a measure of the strength of a magnetic field. It is also commonly referred to as magnetic induction. The formula for magnetic flux density considers magnetic force or magnetic flux in a given area.
Magnetic flux density is also related to field strength (H) and permeability (μ) of the material. Then, electron density (n) is typically defined as the number of electrons per unit volume.
Overall, electromagnetic and electronic potential, in the context of electrons in a system, may be very compelling when considering intelligent life, along with geometric and mathematical, physical and mechanical properties, and energy efficiency.
There are many facets of intelligence to consider when it comes to different forms of life, including humans, and especially those as yet unknown — in the solar system, galaxy and beyond. It’s necessary to consider different orders of magnitude and relativity of structure and multimodal function. Forms of life on Enceladus or one of thousands of exoplanets have common elements but different parameters. And the layers of life on Earth can be much better appreciated and understood as well.
This next upcoming movement in the serial cosmic tech opera is “Dialogue Of The Stars” featuring a 6 vocal parts or characters and string quintet that includes double bass. In preparing the score for release with the final album, the electronic percussion could substituted with more traditional orchestral instruments. And I enjoy releasing it this way, more socially.
The 6 vocal parts represent different personified cosmic forces and as the title suggests, they have a conversation and join as a chorus at the end of the movement. There is a combination of the very traditional, harmonic, tonal and the atonal, primordial, ‘chaotic.’ Both of these states and in between occur in nature and cosmological formation. I’ve been very influenced by independent study, reading and writing in the sciences, as well as having a number of musical influences, from Bach and Beethoven to Vangelis and Hans Zimmer, and of course my love of electronic dance music, although this is considerably more on the modern classical electroacoustic end of the spectrum.
Full disclosure — I have enlisted the help of AI to work out the plot and structure of the piece since the subject of the cosmos and cosmology is grandiose indeed. “Cyberverse Lyricist” helps with storyline and character development, but not concept or music composition. The music composition and performance elements are what I enjoy most! I find this to be of great help because I have so many ideas and other projects in mind. It would be great to collaborate with a group to bring this to life and develop further — at the moment I do the best I can with what I have! And these days, the tech affords quite a lot.
I’m thankful for this part of the journey and exploring through music- both physical and metaphysical – science and learning. Stay tuned for the next movement “We Are The Tech Of The Tech Of The Tech.”
Nature indeed has favorite patterns of propagation, from sound waves to cell division — and the reproductive foundation is “self-similarity,” copying and varying the self, which encapsulates logarithms, fractals, spirals/chirals and the exemplary patterns described below. Understanding and being able to analyze the patterns that repeat across different orders of magnitude and scale will help continue to unlock meaningful and sustainable advancements in technology and consciousness. All of the patterns mentioned here product of field dynamics made visible, and they exhibit self-similarity, aka cloning or parthenogenesis, in propagation.
Bifurcation photographed in Boston
Bifurcation <- Branching shapes <- Lineartravel
Bifurcation, like the other patterns mentioned here, is a naturally occurring phenomenon, that seems to exist to explore channels of possibility in nature, math and computing. The appearance is branching or splitting that leads to complex structures and their emergent properties. This can be viewed through both linear and non-linear lenses; linear in the computing and diagrammatic view, and non linear in nature. A beautiful example is the “dielectric breakdown” of lightning with its rapid ionization of the air and thus conductive pathways.
The photo above of the sand illustrates change or energy transfer/exchange within the sort of dynamic equilibrium in an open system, that includes the interaction of fluid or hydrodynamics with the sediment.
The behavior of bifurcation, the traveling tree!, can be mathematically described and calculated with integral calculus, or families of differential equations. And machine learning is beginning to prove extremely useful for such predictions.
Related, is Phyllotaxis, a spiral or radial regular arrangement readily demonstrated by plants, is much easier to predict, based on discrete patterns or sequences. One could even say spiral phyllotaxis encompasses DNA:
DNA measures 34 angstroms long by 21 angstroms wide for each cycle of its double helix spiral. These numbers, 34 and 21, are numbers in the Fibonacci series, and their ‘golden ratio’ closely approximates phi, or 𝛷 . (1)
And a favored or ‘golden’ angle is 137.5 (2), related to optimal absorption of light and the interacting diffraction patterns involved in shaping matter.
Next, here’s an interesting one: A ‘Turing’ pattern related to “reaction-diffusion” and producing stability or homogeneity from ‘chaos’ or uneven distribution. The ripples could be said to be a materialization of harmonics or “flow-distributed oscillation.” (3) The brain is a fascinating example of this gyrification to enhance and accommodate functionality, level of complexity and communication. And so is the developing technology of microchips and lithography – so much potential!
These three patterns are a few ways the forces of nature move for optimization, and reflect the propagation of light and sound. Our marvelous universe straddles the seemingly mysterious line between organization and primordial chaos, and all in nature reveals a purpose. Parallel advancements in computing promise to continue illuminating this and other grand designs.
Human technology is a branch in the giant bifurcation (tree) of creation, bifurcation being a pattern of morphogenesis and let’s be fair, emerging from plant and animal evolutionary technology. Escher’s famous drawing illustrates how creation emanates from the hands, and the “strange loop” as Douglas Hofstadter put it in GEB, between creator and creation.
“Drawing Hands” is an elegant example of a loop that exists within a larger existence. The artist creates the art with a self made tool, and the very elements comprising the tool were wrought in the furnace of the stars. The strange loop is a “Yes, and…” as in yes, the human is the idea maker, the creator of concepts, technologies and tools — And the material is creator also.
And so is the raw material that we cannot readily detect without instrumentation. Then we choose in what manner we detect and perceive, with growing ‘degrees of freedom’ in doing so.
It’s interesting how as human intelligence grows through this drawing hands-style feedback effect, as we’re able to see and detect more of the universe.
COSMIC, for example — SETI’s new frequency detector, a combination of data and observation, makes possible deeper knowing of the universe, and increasing dimensional picture or vision. Our sensory ‘picture’ of the universe is multimodal, and has increased with complexity and types of technology, but also with greater perspective and intelligence.
In collapsing inward intellectually, and soulfully, humanity is now expanding outward into the cosmos. Both the blue shift and the red shift are necessary in these fascinating cycles of development. Yes, like a massive organism, that we are part of and yet separate from.
Banyan Tree, South Florida
I observed with humor that the Banyan tree above, looks like it’s been generated by AI. That would be a strange loop indeed! That doesn’t have to be that confusing though. There are many patterns and shapes in nature that inevitably repeat and get recreated in different ways.
From an expansive viewpoint, AI is part of nature, because it is part of us. The elements of its creation are the raw materials of creation itself, like the carbon graphite in Escher’s pencil. And it’s interesting to think of computing as form of biomimicry.
“Recursion” is a programming and mathematical concept in which a function invokes itself to solve a problem or a address a complex task, such as making something unlike oneself! And recursion is embedded in the fabric of the universe, manifesting in both macroscopic and microscopic scales. An example in mathematics that also exhibits in nature is the Fibonacci Sequence.
Fractals are also an example of this “self similarity” visible from coastlines and clouds, to fluid dynamics, to the “golden ratio,” and the structure of galaxies. On a cosmological scale, the universe demonstrates recursive patterns on different levels of magnitude.
In a way, the propagation of self similarity could be viewed as a form of reproduction, certainly quite different from our own, and elemental. I realize there has been quite a bit of resistance in the scientific community towards the implications of cosmic aliveness.
Nevertheless, the universe and material continue to grow and develop in numerous ways, and we along with it. The time scales are quite different though, and then a layer to the fabric that’s theoretically timeless, such as the quantum realm.
This is also consistent with spirituality, purpose and wanting to be part of something greater than ourselves – because we are! This is my viewpoint of course and not unsubstantiated. Also, that the drawing hands can be Philosophy and Technology, inseparable doing and way of doing, or intention.
Part of the insightful beauty of Escher’s multidimensional drawing lies in the extra dimension, the interpretations from the observer beyond the page.
First of all, here’s the new gallery store, with a group of new pieces – including “Palm Husk Silhouettes” seen above – in the “Tropic Modern” collection:
This is in addition to linked partner stores on the Shop page.
The store is also synced with my Instagram where there will be engaging updates, including featured music downloads. One of these synth rock/ alt pop track “Artemis Amenti – Be A Child” which is on the way to major online outlets like Apple Music on 1/12/2024.
Another update, in addition to recent essay writings, is the latest podcast:
”Gnosis” is a large 18”x24” charcoal series from 2018. It’s a channeled work, that occured in and around meditation- the first time in life I engaged in it *at length* and in earnest. The production of Gnosis I was quite feverish, whereas the next volume(s) much calmer and at a steady pace. Of course it came from me, and my experiences— it came from the voices of body, the soul, the “field” if you will. By no means is it supposed to be preaching, but an expression of spiritual beauty, and experience. And experience that has since updated and grown into Gnosis 2!
Gnosis is a philosophical / cosmic narrative that goes in sequence, so in sending it out to the world, it would be ideal to show it as a whole. The individual drawings are also available though. For purchase or gallery/exhibit inquiry please e-mail: s.ikerd@gmail.com.
Gnosis is a word of Greek origin, yet I have a lot of influences, from religious and spiritual to scientific. I have not subscribed to a particular doctrine, so that I can evolve and learn. Yet, I find parts of different religions to be inspiring. I identify more closely with philosophy, that the Greeks did espouse and the search for “wisdom” and knowledge, truth. And not to hold that over another.
What I figured is that if so and so can write “The Book Of…” well so can I, for my own life and to share what I find to be insightful or inspiring viewpoints, just to share and not necessarily to be agreed with, to follow the creative impulse as an artist does.
Since the first Gnosis, which is available on Amazon as a book, and Gnosis II, the photographic version also available (see above links), I have had further insight of course from study and meditation which is turning into III! Gnosis II has yet to be published with the original drawings.
The majestic Banyan tree, symbolic of eternal life and enlightenment, is considered immortal because it grows aerial roots that become supplementary trunks. Quite simply, it has cleverly adapted to prolonging its life, and in the process houses a lot of other creatures.
“Amortality” literally means “not subject to death.” And is the Banyan amortal? No more or less so than the universe itself perhaps. The tree grows outward as if walking and also reproduces with seed bearing fruit.
Does it circumvent death? That’s a human viewpoint, that things are always battling and dying, rather than thriving, cooperating and living. This is an interpretation of a type of observer.
The observer effect and associated beliefs are at play here, inextricably linked with physiology, and physical death could be just one of many evolutionary decision pathways. There’s a lot of genetic mileage and computing power within us.
There’s also increasing examples of organisms that choose differently, from reproduction to regeneration. And we don’t have to torture or destroy these organisms in order to learn from them.
What we have to do is believe and retool behaviors and lifestyles accordingly. If the concept is conceivable, with some strategy even, it is achievable. And life seeks to create and achieve.
One could do ongoing research on therapeutics, very interesting and useful, yet without deep belief or “deep learning” of open life, that may be somewhat impotent.
The XPRIZE Healthspan challenge aims at healthy aging and longevity. The participating teams will probably focus mostly on the latest technologies and gene therapies. They may or may not address address philosophy or mind over matter.
What about “raison de etre” or “joie de vivre” or being the artist of one’s life, including one’s biology. Then what about self knowledge, intention, and the [radical] leap of faith to trust the body, part of our self, and the DNA full of potential, ancient evolutionary knowledge and wisdom. That’s a journey that can’t necessarily be prescribed. When the ancient lessons meet the modern or futuristic, the awareness — that’s when the magic happens.
“THE DAY BEFORE SOMETHING IS TRULY A BREAKTHROUGH, IT’S A CRAZY IDEA.”
— PETER H. DIAMANDIS
It’s preposterously simple to say that belief is the key element, yet that’s what I’m saying. Knowledge of self and biology is the next, and feeling oneself to be physically whole and present.
The point of view is very important. For example, one could say or think I’m “living a slow life” instead of “dying a slow death.” Yet there may be cycles of regeneration with life.
Nature exemplifies cycles of life. Was the Banyan ever dead or was I? From a energetic viewpoint, that seems nonsensical.
Humans could join the ranks of immortals, like stars, jellyfish and trees – option out of biological death by deliberate evolution – to eventual amortality, the attainment of deep knowingness on all levels of life’s perpetual unity, from one’s subatomic and electromagnetic flow, to one’s chemical elements, cells, systems, and the self or selves that arise from those cohesions.
Lastly, and I’ve written about this before, it becomes necessary to engage in constructive activities that propagate and nourish life, instead of destructive activities that harm, in order to attain open ended biological life. The respect of life, of organisms of all shapes and sizes, is vital. Peace may feel strange to us, yet it may lead to the eternal. Less artificial struggle means more exploration and learning. There’s a vast universe out there, and within.
Amidst joyful busyness, enjoyment and rest become necessarily delicious ingredients, when life is not a race to the finish, because there is no finish line. I believe it’s a matter of choice how one wants to proceed, amidst the benevolence of quantum physics & biology and cosmic mysteries, yet familiar in shapes and patterns.
Amazing technologies abound and thankfully continue developing at a rapid enthusiastic pace because of organizations and companies like XPRIZE. It’s important to keep the foundation of success in mind though, and that is conscious philosophy and our own biological deep learning, which equates to deep spiritual/material life and love.
How we see or perceive with the senses affects how we describe and categorize things, and the significance and purposes we assign to them. Even the most “data driven” type of person views through a unique lens of life experiences and within a set of shifting emotional states. And there’s great beauty in that, given the interconnectedness of our senses and the environment. What is a thought or an emotional state but a series of waves and chain reactions in response to other waves and chain reactions? And to me that has more meaning, not less.
Studio Shangri-La “Observer Effect”
Photons, or light, the energy of electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum, have been shown to be entangled in the cosmic field, and also able to teleport. What a magic web we weave, like Indra’s net of Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, as I’ve mentioned in previous writings on multidimensionality.
The act of “seeing the light” is a marvel of both reception and projection. Different types of photoreceptors cells in our retinas absorb light and transduce or transform the different wavelengths into electrical and chemical signals, that produce various biological effects (1). —And for this reason, optogenetics is proving effective.—
All of our cells, including neurons, produce bioluminescence in the form of infrared in order to communicate and navigate. (2) They perform very complex operations with the the language of light “Biophotons” and other codes. Though small, cellular intelligence leads to organismal intelligence. The human and environment contain multitudes, yet somehow it all works together.
From “Gnosis” by Studio Shangri-La
So we’re always processing ! Because we’re highly sophisticated information technology. It’s not too surprising that humanity plus the forces of nature begat computers— Modern computers transmit and store information using electrons and photons. They also make use of crystals such as silicon and quartz. And so does human biology — among other crystalline areas of interest, the pineal gland in the brain contains calcite. (3)
Both the pineal and pituitary glands are linked to vision, as well as sleep and dreams, with the pineal containing “non-visual photoreceptors” while the pituitary is below the ‘optic chiasm’ or junction/intersection of the optic nerves from both eyes. The latter is involved in hormones and dreams. (4)
Dreams of course are a form of vision, and informational echoes, certainly a mixed bag at that, to help along with the Cerebrospinal fluid, to clean the brain and spinal cord. Hence, the different rhythmic phases of sleep! (5) It stands to reason I think that someone who is generally more relaxed and present would have less active or chaotic dreaming.
Lastly, phosphenes are interesting optical echoes or residuals that can be stimulated with eyes closed. This luminous phenomenon can even appear as geometric looking forms. Many references online say that phosphenes can be indicative of some medical problem — however, it seems to me that with all the amazing interconnected parts that comprise vision and light detection, and sensing of environment, that this is relatively normal, especially in very thoughtful or especially stimulating or stressful times.
“Light Core” By Studio Shangri-La
The study of light or photonics continues to be at the forefront of scientific advances, delightfully mysterious and remarkably commonplace. Let’s not forget how amazing we are. And how our perceptions, and how we can direct them, shape our world. It’s a lot to consider and the classroom door is always open when it comes to evolving biological self awareness and intelligence.
FIrst up in the art department, here are a few new nature portraits, thanks to the tropical South Beach Miami flora. They are all three silhouettes for a dramatic modern effect, and available on TurningArt and Saatchi Art in multiple formats.
An 18’x24” charcoal from “Gnosis”
Next is a throwback to 2018, a series of fifty original 18”x24” charcoal drawings called “Gnosis” that I’m looking to touch up and possibly embellish to show while I’m here in Miami Beach. The point in using a word that means divine knowledge is to highlight a personal spiritual journey and the philosophical content. This would make a great installation presentation, so we’ll see what happens. These drawings are also for sale, as an entire book as it’s meant to be presented, or individually. Please inquire on the contact page or with s.ikerd@gmail.com.
Out now on OCTAVES Music is the second movement of the electro acoustic ‘tech opera,’ the Aria Of The Cosmos, available on Apple Music and more. The next upcoming movement is “Dialogue Of The Stars.”
FInally, out on 12.22 is the very much classical release, Bach’s Prelude BWV 998 for classical guitar. Stay tuned as the label continues the exploration of genres, styles and moods.
”Fabricate::Recreate” is a large mixed media on deep canvas that incorporates recycled fabrics and is covered in layers with acrylics, mica and water based spray paint. It took me a few months to complete. The theme is the ongoing process of personal and cosmic transformation or fabrication of “prima materia,” the primordial starting material. It also refers to style and *fab*ulousness given the use of fabrics, although here given a metallic spacey effect through many layers.
What’s especially interesting of late is that in my studies of electronics and electromagnetism is the letters F – A – B also signify parts of the equation for magnetic flux density. Force, Area, Magnetic Flux. I am not entirely sure how this equation is usually expressed but I fund the synchrony wonderful, as one the others paintings “Electrocardiogram” and “Translations” have the electromagnetic spectrum as inspiration.
This piece is available and for sale through Bogosplit Boston, located at Back Bay’s Copley Place:
In what’s turning out to be a opera series, the Electric Echoes first movement of Act I, “The Digital Overture” is out now on Apple Music and more. And the next upcoming movement is called “Aria Of The Cosmos.” The overall tone and plot of the ‘tech opera’ thus far is epic, cosmic and mythological, as operas are wont to be!
Specifically, the subject matter concerns how humanity, nature and technology are part of the same grand system, and illuminating purpose. The first movement sees the narrator introducing the overall theme, while the upcoming Aria introduces the first two characters and personification of cosmic forces: Lux Eterna (Eternal Light) and Materia Oscura (Dark Matter), and they trade stanzas. This promises to be fun to costume & stage!
As a longtime musician, and returning to classical recently, these upcoming works have been percolating for a while, as I’ve gathered experience and perspective, and now it’s time for them to be expressed.
Also upcoming on OCTAVES: Solo classical guitar including Bach. This kind of performance asks for the pursuit of perfection in order to convey the melodic lines! In the interest of refinement for the final recording, yet also sharing along the way, here is the Soundcloud page with version 1:
I like this one a lot but again it’s not the final version to be released on the label.
On a different note and genre, also out now is the folk pop style acoustic tune “Sing A Song.” Among other projects, this song popped up spontaneously as the result of seeing a CAPTCHA that said “sing a song” and that seemed like a great idea.
For grand energy systems in action, we need look no further than the science and technology of our home planet for impressive examples: Sea and Sky. It’s especially interesting to consider their ‘electronic’ properties in light of modern innovation.
Though the modern technological concept of hydro or hydroelectric power has earliest known evidence in BC China, the ocean and water have reigned for billions of years. (1)
What’s powerful about water is its movement – its flow from one place to another, and its molecular properties.
“Water has distinctive liquid and solid properties: It is highly cohesive… Unlike simpler liquids, water’s orientation-dependent hydrogen bonding leads to open tetrahedral cage-like structuring that contributes to its remarkable volumetric and thermal properties.“ (2)
That tetrahedral structure – considered liquid crystalline – maximizes hydrogen bonding, and the hydrogen atoms become bridges that can interact ‘without borders,’ or at a distance, referred to as a van der Waals force (4) and a manifestation of quantum dynamics.
”Upon exposure to light or ionizing radiation, liquid water may undergo a series of transformations involving electronic excitations… by the nature of the electron transfer… of the interaction of light with water.” (3)
So let’s talk “liquid ionization potential” and “electron affinity.” Photo-ionization, the interaction with light, leads to conduction. The photons and the water molecules could be viewed as terminals of a battery [as well as the poles between molecules themselves].
And what is the ionic potential of water? This fundamental property of the element varies with form. And electron affinity, the energy from an electron attaching to a neutral atom or molecule, is integral to molecular dynamics, connection to “redox,” the process of oxidation or reduction. All of this amounts to movement, the dance of life so to speak, that creates electromotive force or energy transfer.
The “wave-current dynamic” within global oceans flow is an amazing example of this, saltwater being especially powerful because the electrolyte sodium increases the (energy) density of water. In this case, the wave and the current could be considered the moveable terminals of energy transfer. (5) There is literal electric current in the ocean. And the nonlinear wave-current dynamic, or interaction of gravity and electricity, is still considered somewhat mysterious, venturing into quantum biology. Perhaps one reason is linear and reductionist *trends in science. Clearly, considering the potential of larger systems is important as well. (6) Either approach, there’s plenty more to study.
One example of a relatively recent type of battery technology influenced by fluid dynamics is the “Redox Flow Battery.”
Next, being related to sea and part of the Earth’s larger “Water Cycle,” the sky is a tremendously fascinating set of systems, from the layers of the atmosphere, to the interactions within those layers. Water vapor is an important component of the air, clouds being the condensation of the vapor.
What’s interesting is that clouds store energy, and lightning occurs because of their build-up of electric charge, which is of course high voltage. That sure puts another spin on the term ‘cloud storage.’ Whereas, the overall charge of Earth’s atmosphere is caused by cosmic rays, colliding with particles, as in the luminescent Northern Lights of the upper atmosphere. What a beautiful reminder of our connection to the cosmos through systems.
At any given moment, we’re surrounded by a vast and changing field of electromagnetic energy — even in space. At an astrophysical level, galactic magnetic activity and “the universe” itself can also be viewed as having battery-like systems, the structure of the universe even with proposed poles. All of this amounts to dynamic flow.
The flow of ions between electrons and protons loosely define an energy system, or battery. That is, the generation, transfer and storage of energy. It’s obvious here that batteries can be far more than cylindrical double A Duracells or even solar cells. Energy, this all pervasive quality that everyone wants, is already there.
It stands to reason, that if we’re living inside this great Q “source charge” field of nested flow functions, that we can tap into abundant energy in many nondestructive sustainable ways, combining ancient with modern. Earth science gives us exquisite examples of large living battery or energy systems to continue learning from, whereby the field of electronics is more than just useful daily gadgetry; we are and are surrounded by electronics!
Among ongoing and upcoming projects, “Digital Echoes” is an electroacoustic exploration of how humans interact with accelerating tech and reintegrating nature, as part of the “fundamental” electric field. It promises to have a lot of synth, melody, drama and even humor. That would make it in a way a combination of ‘Grand Opera’ and ‘Opera Buffa.’ I’m finding it very interesting to try and combine the archaic or traditional with the ultra modern.
“The Digital Overture,” as the titles implies, is the exposition for the entire work. I thought about waiting until the entire piece is finished, but it makes it more fun to share the journey, however it is received. This first track will be out November 24th — it’s lyrically based and there are several types of layered synth and FX. I’m performing the vocal in a sort of operatic / chant style, with some variation, including spoken word.
Because this is based on the structure of opera, I call it modern classical and then electroacoustic for the variety of instruments, including those decidedly electronic. When it comes to electronic music, it’s been a long while since I’ve focused on ambience. I’m revisiting my past at Eastman, inspired ny my present experiences from MIT.
Please stay tuned as the story unfolds – it’s always my intention alongside the joy of creation and the beauty of music, to try and share compelling concepts!
It’s well worth noting that, while some conceptualization and some OCTAVES cover art benefits from AI, the composition and performance is still very much done by a human who loves making music. And the photo you see above is a more traditional one of light, reflecting on water. Given the previous posts about AI — I thought it would be good to point this out.
In fact, OCTAVES Music is looking for artists of multiple genres who want to have a platform to release their music to digital outlets, including those most popular like Apple Music and Spotify; also Beatport for electronic artists. For now, this basic hosting is at no extra cost to the artist, besides the time and effort they put into the music. The aim is to encourage music making and to grow the label as a project. From now through 12/31/2024, the artist will keep 100% of the profits they make, recognizing of course, that this is a small digital label.
Behind the scenes, the label will serve the artist with various admin activities associated with releases, pitching, promo, and even free mastering.
For more involved additional artist services, there will be a negotiable fee. Examples of this are branding, design, composition and recording/editing/production.
For more info, questions & label submissions, please contact: s.ikerd@gmail.com
There is no one genre that is more desirable than another here, because the name OCTAVES is meant to encompass the spectrum of music. The quality and content will be considered.
First, I am still very much enjoying making physical artwork. The entrance of AI is definitely a compelling presence that I’ve used as a rendering tool lately. For an oil painting that I’m doing, which is a new challenge for me, the AI program helped to determine the layout for the subject matter.
The renderings are pleasing and often delightfully strange on their own — yet the physical work has a presence and entirely different aesthetic that a human carries out.
Another fun recent use of AI, as you can see above and also below, was in conceiving a monumental art installation, at the Parthenon at night time. Though fantasy, the extension of my imagination with the layers of AI allows a new level of headroom to go beyond my norm in conceptualization. I was able to describe almost instantaneously, a complex concept for an exhibition and place all this in an amazingly exotic locale.
Arranging this cosmic flavored event would be logistically complex to say the least, but the point is that with AI assistance, I am able to visualize and conceptualize with broader scope, which is very powerful. Other rendering tools [including me!] can do this and have different technical purposes, but the AI art programs take it to another level of speed and detail, especially for something like a sculpture and light installation.
I can only hope, optimistically, that this makes me smarter in a way and a better artist. I consider it an exciting time to have these dreams take flight and reach ever higher altitude because of new computer technology, or tools. When I use AI art programs or ChatGPT, in a way it feels like the Star Trek Enterprise computer, especially when bouncing concepts and details. And it’s *fascinating that a first major category for the application of AI is Art, the realm of the imagination.
I should reiterate that I still make and very much want to make physical works, but AI helps me go a lot farther in imagining the possible projects I could do, and even breaking down the so-called impossible into parts, and that’s definitely mind expanding.
”Translations” is a recently completed ink, acrylic and plastic mixed media and part of my recent ‘Electro Skulls’ three series, consisting of “Drip” and “Electrocardiogram.” This is foremost dedicated to the electromagnetic spectrum and its interpretations from math, science, spirituality — hence all the symbols, with particular attention to those from physics and electromagnetism, and the measurements of sound and light.
This work is an invitation to contemplate mind, consciousness, intelligence, soul — and the underlying nature of all these.
References include: the Vedic chakra system (modern Physics being influenced by Hinduism), the visible light spectrum measured in nanometers, the electromagnetic spectrum measured in hertz from radio waves to gamma rays, the interaction of waves concerning the human biofield and neural networks. Also central are the use of mathematical symbols from physics, including the sigma and the sum / integral.
On the back side of the painting it says “Ego Sum” which means “I am” in Latin. What can I say – there’s some antiquity here, given that ancient languages like Greek and Latin are still very much used in science. And this is intended as both a universal and individual expression, an expression of both totality and individuation — “Ego Sum,” the whole and the sum of the parts. It’s a sort of godly universal expression if you will, of multidimensionality. “I am” the discrete or that which can be numbered and measured, and the indiscrete / continuous or innumerable / “chaos” or fractal nature.
The symbol ”Q” represents the source electric charge in physics / electronics / electromagnetism. One could say that Q comes from a generalized electric field of particles. The electromagnetic field, of course, extends into space and is powerfully transmitted by bodies — it’s everywhere. In identifying unifying universal forces, this is a beautiful one.
“The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.” ~ Nikola Tesla
“We are all one. People are interconnected by invisible forces. Although we have the freedom to think and act, we stick together, like stars on the heavenly arc, with unbreakable connections. These connections cannot be seen, but we can feel them.”~ Nikola Tesla
The title “Translations” refers to the fact that different languages or systems can describe levels or facets of the same phenomena in different ways. (Aside: Of course some things can get lost in translation. For example, to call someone “dude” in English, that same pronunciation in Arabic means maggot or caterpillar!)
Another related word is “convolution,” a twisting or coiling which brings to mind DNA or electromagnetic ‘transverse’ waves and more recently AI & machine learning neural networks, of mapping one measurement onto another, such that one contains the other. In math, two mapped functions that produce a third – about their relationship.
In addition to sound and light, this painting considers the electromagnetic aspect or function of consciousness and those mappings, the convolutions and the translations.
And what of the soul signature? As I mentioned with the other painting “Electrocardiogram,” biometrics like heartbeat are individualized — yes, like snowflakes. Perhaps the ‘transmigration’ of consciousness / set of electromagnetic signatures could be tracked. This certainly goes beyond the 21 grams experiment (shoutout to Haverhill, MA). That’s the domain of the eternal! — something like the Soul Star chakra of Vedanta (magenta like ‘antiquarks’ of quantum chromodynamics), or the Merkaba of Jewish mysticism.
I love it all, the science and the spiritual, such that it benefits. Plus, AI and computation is helping to understand more. There’s really so much I could try to say here, but haven’t quite figured out how to approach it yet, realizing there’s plenty yet to learn.
So for now, here’s some more quotations from the prescient Tesla, because he focused on electricity and electric fields:
“There is an influence which is getting strong and stronger day by day, which shows itself more and more in all departments of human activity, and influence most fruitful and beneficial—the influence of the artist. It was a happy day for the mass of humanity when the artist felt the desire of becoming a physician, an electrician, an engineer or mechanician or—whatnot—a mathematician or a financier; for it was he who wrought all these wonders and grandeur we are witnessing. It was he who abolished that small, pedantic, narrow-grooved school teaching which made of an aspiring student a galley-slave, and he who allowed freedom in the choice of subject of study according to one’s pleasure and inclination, and so facilitated development.” ~ Nikola Tesla
“…for the dormant faculties of her brain will be stimulated to an activity that will be all the more intense and powerful because of centuries of repose. Women will ignore precedent and startle civilization with their progress.”~ Nikola Tesla
“All Souls” is my first earnest oil painting, and a 4’x3’ at that. It’s in a realistic style, although the scene is surreal: As you can see from the Wombo Dream.AI demo, the subject is a white mouse, unfortunately often bred as a test subject. Its innocence here is highlighted by the rainbow bridge in the clouds, or glory rainbow. In addition to being a marvelous optical phenomenon, the glory is a powerful spiritual symbol in multiple traditions, of purity, protection and divine presence or essence, as Buddhism expresses. This layout was initially inspired by the fact that I saw an actual double glory one sunny afternoon at Christian Science Fountain. After I saw this, I felt more or less obligated to make the painting!
Phenomenal optics!
The piece is absolutely supposed to be making a statement against animal testing and to respect animal sentience. This has been an area of activism for me for the past few years. And fortunately, with growing public awareness, concern and more enlightened leadership, as of the end of 2022, animal testing is no longer required by the FDA and NIH (difficult though that was for me to fathom in the first place!) Even better — the NIH has been actively encouraging replacement with far more efficient and technologically current methods, and involving AI and machine learning. These “NAMs” or “Novel Alternative Methods” like are computationally based or “in silico,” while others are “in chemico” and cell-based “in vitro.”
It’s wonderful to this bright side of tech coming full circle, computer science aiding ethics and evolution, in best form helping humans to be humane.
Here’s the description of the painting that I gave the AI art program: “White Mouse Sitting On A Cloud In A Blue Sky With Fluffy Clouds, Surrounded By A Large Tigle Or Glory Rainbow.” And it even embellished with the data prophetic inclusion of the eclipse, the image generated well before the eclipse. In my Instagram post I typed: “The eclipse of animal testing then?”
The painting part of the oil painting at this point is underway, and while very different from the AI rendering, the demo version provided me with some guidance for the vision. I value what was beautifully generated, yet still also want to complete the physical painting. So in this case Wombo.dream has been a very useful artistic tool, in pushing me to realize a new style and develop skills.
This episode considers genetic changes from making intentionally different choices, evolution on purpose, how technologies mirror this and help us go beyond ourselves, and understanding nature.
The next episode is about forms of creation or making art that occur “off the canvas” or “outside the box” if you will, and of how ‘the art of’ translates to different media. To participate in this or other future podcasts, please reach out on the contact page!
First of all, it’s important to remember the Brain, Heart & Gut are part of interconnected systems, and so is the entire body. The connections of the brain and its ganglia run throughout. The Heart also has its own brain, the ganglia being made of neurons. Let’s have a look at some superfood adaptogens that can maintain, heal and even enhance those three major areas. Please be careful and research when evaluating which remedies are right for you.
Huperzia Serrata For Learning & Memory:
This plant, aka Chinese Club Moss, is a remedy of Chinese medicine. As a supplement, it typically comes in the form of extract “Huperzine A.” It’s currently also being proven by scientific study, to be an effective preventative medicine for a variety of cognitive issues, especially Alzheimer’s. Huperzine A can also be made synthetically.
Dulse For Heart & Circulatory System:
Not just Dulse, but seaweed in general is beneficial for all three systems — but in particular Dulse has a striking resemblance to bundles of neurons or ganglia, and the purple/red seaweeds to cardiac ganglia. The nutrient profile is impressive, including valuable minerals, fiber and protein. The body of evidence is growing for how important seaweed is to ecosystems and to our evolution. The superior superfood is also easy to find, as it grows quickly then washes up on shore. So, while it’s easy to order the powders online, it can also be free. There is much that’s interesting about these plants, including that they can ‘root’ or they can float. What makes them powerful adaptogens is how much they’ve adapted to, how resilient they are, and they can infinitely rehydrate, suggesting a sort of immortality. Consider this — there’s a part of the seaweed that becomes you when you eat it. We’re well suited, as algae and plants created the atmosphere we breathe.
Quinoa For The Digestive System:
Quinoa is an exceptionally nutrient dense grain, high in protein, and containing beneficial antioxidants such as quercetin and ecdysteroids, which I wrote about recently in the article about molting and metamorphosis. That’s not naturally occurring in humans — it is in plants and insects — but has been shown to increase protein synthesis.
Quinoa is also a complete protein that is very filling, and the fiber content is cause for categorizing it here as most beneficial for the digestion. There is some insoluble fiber as well, and it seems like the ‘beads’ could very well help clean the digestive system.
