DYCP Report
Developing my detailed knowledge of and unique sculptural practice with liquid crystal displays
Building New Networks
with Cello Electronics
My visit to LCD television manufacture Cello Electronics near Durham enabled me to see first hand and document the manufacturing cycle of LCD televisions in the UK and the global supply chains. I also had the opportunity to meet the factory's technical director.
Building New Networks
with Veolia
My visit to Veolia's LCD television recycling plant near Birmingham provided an eye opening experience into the scale of the E-Waste crisis in the UK and a measure of the quantity of TVs recycled each day. I was able to see and learn about each stage of the recycling process and the value of different materials, as well as discuss where the extracted materials go after the recycling plant.
Experiment with New Collaborators
with York University
I moved my academic collaboration to York University at the recommendation of Hull University, which enabled me to work alongside Emeritus Professor John Goodby and Professor Stephen Cowling. Over the course of three visit, I talked with them about the history and future of liquid crystals, practiced microscopy to understand how liquid crystals work at a molecular levels and perfected the sculptural techniques for my liquid crystal pixels. This development work was supported with mentoring by ex Professor Susan Tragmar.
Research and Development Time
creating a unique sculptural technique
In three stages, I have developed a process for creating hand-made pixels using the same materials found in LCD screens (such as LCD TVs, mobile phones and computer displays). The resultant pixels function very well, creating good definition between translucent and extinguished states and they respond to varied electrical waves and heat energy. I can create matrices of pixels as well as individual pixels. The process was extremely challenging and required independent material research, the creation of new tools specifically for this purpose, study into electrical energy and optics, and a considerable amount of trial and error. The sculptural process is now ready to be used in new sculptures for my upcoming solo exhibition.
Research and Development Time
creating a unique sculptural technique
Two videos documenting the start and finish of the liquid crystal pixel development to highlight how the quality and finished have been improved though my DYCP project in collaboration with York University and mentors Susan Tragmar and Mark Deveraux.
Research and Travel
at home and in London and Paris
With my DYPC funding I was fortunate to conduct independent research into LCD TV's historical, technical, and cultural progress, and E-waste. This included research visits to the Science Museum, the Dana Research Library in London, the Coutuald Institute's Research Library in London and to the exhibition "Waste Age" at Cité des sciences et de l'industrie. In addition, I conducted independent research into the science behind liquid crystal displays using MIT's free Electromagnetic Energy Course. Together, these different resources have helped me build a picture of this history, culture and science behind liquid crystal displays to complement my sculptural work.
