resume.pdf

Education

2005-2008 Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), with a focus on 3D graphics and physical computing. For MFA thesis show, developed three kinetic sculpture projects with emphasis on human-computer interaction: robotics, 4K projected video and a kinetic LED sculpture, all being prototyped in Maya; using Mental Ray, caustics and global illumination; and, used polygon modeling with detailed texturing. Lighting was emphasized. Collaborated with computer science and art students. Built custom display systems for artwork.

2004-2005 Masters of Science (MS) credits (transferred to UIC) Illinois State University. Received an assistantship that involved assistant lab manager responsibilities. Was also involved in school’s annual graduate show.

2000-2003 Bachelors of Fine Art Degree (BFA), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with a focus on computer animation. I worked with my professors to push my artistic visions forward and expand the boundaries of art though animation.

Experience

Lighting Artist, Nickelodeon Studios, Burbank, CA. 2010.
--Creating character & set lighting for the "KungFu Panda" TV series.
--Creating character & set lighting for the "Penguins of Madagascar" TV series.

Texture Artist (volunteer), “Devils, Angels and Dating” team, US 2009-10.
--A global collaboration to create an animated short film. Helping with modeling, texturing, rigging & effects.

Freelancer: Industrial Design Clients. Private Clients. Film Clients. USA/UK. 2006-09
--Modeled electric car designs, rendered high-rez print imaged with Mental Ray. Created logo sequence, including custom 3D text font using Maya tools: modeling, particle system, fluid effects, paint effects, camera work.

Adjunct Professor, Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL. 2009
--Maya 2009/ Blender 3D: Modeling/Lighting/Rendering/ Shaders/Anim/Rig & Skin.

Adjunt Professor, Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago, IL. 2008-2009
--3D character animation, rigging/skinning, animation principals, lighting/rendering
--Miniature model building, construction techniques, research for production builds, troubleshooting misjudgments, forced perspective set building.

Maya Instructor, Gallery 37, Chicago, IL. 2007-2009
--Interface/Modeling/Lighting and Rendering basics
--Material/Shader/Render details
--Animation/Rigging/Skinning

Research Assistant, EVL, UIC, Chicago, IL. 2006-2008
--Managed EVL’s (hardcopy) video archive and produced digitized archive movie clips for the EVL webmaster.
--Communicated equipment issues to EVL tech support group.
--Web developer for EVL’s A/V website . Lead technical person to operate and maintain EVL’s Access Grid.
--Developed wireless infrared mouse for the LambdaTable tiled-display system

Exhibitions

2010 “Pathways and Portals: Art, Nature and Science”, Illinois State Museum, Chicago, IL. Infinity Gliders II, second rendition of concept. Illusion of space. Servo/pulley system robotics and programming. Wall-mounted instillation. Balsa wood, LEDs and mirror materials.

2009 “Illinois Women Video Artists”, Illinois State Museum, Chicago, IL. Lighting Demo Reel showing. Extended shorts included: Clipper, La Lavande, Summer Flower.

2008 “Alley of Art Show”, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Elgin, IL. Replication of System was on display in an outside exhibition. The project was installed in an overhead position in a downtown park. Sensors were attached to trees and benches.

2008 "Thesis Show", EVL, UIC, Chicago, IL.
Replication of System is an interactive kinetic sculpture inspired by a human brain cell’s communication system. Developed the visual aesthetics with Maya and then constructed the sculpture in physical space using readily available materials and electronic components. Worked with a fellow EVL co-worker to program the human-computer interactions. Sculpture reacts to sound vibrations on room surfaces by showing an animated sequence of colored LEDs.
BendyBots is a 6-foot long sculpture of 20 animatronic robots, taking inspiration from ocean plant life. Robots have glowing electroluminescent wires in the center of their wormlike bodies. The robots sit on a white rectangular shelf. Collaborated with an EVL programmer to make robots consistently sway from right to left.

2008 "Image of Research Exhibit", UIC, Chicago, IL.
Infinity Gliders are wall-climbing robots. Instillation constructed out of mirrors, foamcore, LED lighting and electronic components. Developed concept and built the visual elements of the project. Collaborated with an EVL programmer on the robots’ AI.

Skills

Software: Maya 2009-4, Zbrush, HDR Shop, Blender 3D, Houdini, Poser, Combustion, Final Cut Pro HD, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Audacity, Soundtrack Pro, Adobe Suite, QuickTime

Languages: Python, MEL, Wiring, Arduino, Processing, Max/MSP & Jitter, HTML, CSS

Other skills: Electronics, Woodworking, Tiled-Display Construction, Flexinol wire

resume.pdf