8x8x1 by Ben Dunkle
web art, 2008-09
My work examines the process by which concept is transformed from the imagined to the visible. We use words as a way of circumventing the difficulty this presents for those who are "bad at drawing", and as a way to quickly and seamlessly transfer conceptions from one brain to another without embellishment. 8x8x1 is a way confronting the viewer with the problems of visually symbolizing abstract concepts.
As an icon designer, I've spent countless hours plotting grids that are governed by parameters of varying constraint; e.g., width, height, bit-depth, operating system, user demographic, and most notably, resistance to being visualized, or "imageability". The goal is always the same; i.e., what is the most efficient way to transfer the concept to the target audience under the given parameters? And the parameters can be hopelessly oppressive-a 16 pixel octopus, an 8 pixel clock, the debate over whether to use a mailbox or an envelope to symbolize mail, and how to plot the concept of "Exit" all come to mind.
I measure an icon's effectiveness by the amount of time spent by the user in interpreting the icon. One bad pixel can diminish an icon's effectiveness and each mouse click demands assessment. However, the process of determining what pixels should be eliminated, added, and modified is highly meditative. 8x8x1 invites the viewer to participate in this process.
Ben Dunkle, M.F.A. (born 1971, Freeport, NY) is a digital printmaker. With degrees in traditional paper-based printmaking techniques, Ben has expanded his processes into digital realms. He teaches in the digital media arts program at Canisius College, Buffalo, NY.
