As many of you know, my sister Lindsay Mofford’s husband, Tucker was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) a few years back. I make mention of this here because I think some of the artwork Tucker has been doing since being diagnosed speaks volumes of the creative potential of the internet.
Tucker Stilley, former Mass Art student has always brought a unique perspective to his creative and professional work as a musician, artist, sound designer and film editor. I’ve worked with Tucker on many professional projects including the redesign of the sound for the DVD release of my film, “Travelin’ Trains.” Because of the disease, he is no longer able to use his limbs, instead using a reflective bindi dot on his forehead to control a complex system of computer technology, largely of his own design.
His website, The Permanent Record is a portal to computer art, songs, ideas and videos rearranged and redesigned from media sources scrounged from the depths of Google and other web search engines. Recombining the found visuals, Tucker forms multi-media collages of sight and sound, a self-described “Anarchival Research Gimp.” A couple years back, I commissioned a video piece from Tucker for an upcoming feature film project, Press>Play. I was amazed by the images he discovered and edited that related to the subject matter of the effect of the media on a relationship, just by surfing the net, all public domain.
A social networking support page of friends and family called “All Hands on Board” has been created through Ning.com and it has become a work of art in it’s own right. How exciting to see all these creative people add photographs, videos and even artwork stimulated by Tucker’s life and work. To me these are just some examples of what is possible when talking about communication and new media. Musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers can build their own social networking sites beyond Facebook and MySpace. These spaces become testaments and build memories. Exciting times indeed!
An exhibit of Tucker’s work will be on display at the beginning of the new year, but if you are so inclined, some of his artwork will be on display October 23 at the REDCAT Theater (Disney Hall) in Los Angeles along with a special screening of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman’s film “HOSPITAL.” This is a very special treat since Wisemen rarely releases his older films, (years ago, Tucker and my sister, Lindsay worked for him). Time magazine called this Emmy award winning film, best documentary of the year in 1969.
* Get your tickets now by calling the REDCAT Box Office at 213-237-2800 *
You can also help us end this horrible disease by clicking on this link ALS/Team Tucker or send a donation to:
The ALS Association, Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Attn: Walk to defeat ALS/Team Tucker
PO Box 565
Agoura Hills, CA 91376-065
[…] written about my brother-in-law’s amazing work on this blog before when a showcase of his video art was presented at the REDCAT in 2008. Diagnosed with ALS […]
[…] and without use of any of his muscles, outside of his neck and eyebrows, his ability to create artwork and interactive media with just a reflective bindi-dot on his forehead that controls a complex […]
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