Made by: Ian & Neil Deatrick
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In “Free as the Wind,” one of nature’s most powerful forces – the Wind – is personified by a group of butterflies, known as a kaleidoscope. Viewers use handheld fans and wind sensors to control the Wind, causing the butterflies to change their path and pace. Moving as “free as the wind,” the kaleidoscope’s direction and speed are determined by real-time wind data.
Artist Statment
Shows and Awards
Displayed at ArtPrize 2024 as a New Media entry, Free As The Wind was the winner of the Motu Viget Grant, awarded by the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI. Free As The Wind was displayed in the ArtPrize Clubhouse through the entirety of the event.
Hard Ware
By utilizing several Arduinos with wind sensors (Anemometer, and Wind Vane) we are able to provide the real time data for inputs utilized by the software for character movement and environmental influence (foliage sway intensity and direction).
Players use electric hand fans to provide the intensity and directional influence that the wind sensors collect. Allowing the player creative and dynamic interaction with the piece.
Software
Arduino -
Utilizing Arduino IDE for C++ scripts were
made allowing us to turn wind speed & wind direction sensors into custom controllers.
Blender -
All 3D modeling and UV Mapping was completed in Blender.
Substance Painter -
All Textures and Materials were made inside Substance Painter.
Unreal Engine 5 -
Utilized Blueprint scripting to establish real time communication with Arduinos for Character and Environmental inputs.
Team
IAN DEATRICK
Designer, Artist
NEIL DEATRICK, MA
Designer, Programmer
Free As The Wind is an incredible first step for us as a new development team as ArtPrize 2024 was a major success for us, and we are excited to see where we can take it from here.
We have hopes to improve the project from a technical and design perspective, as well as exploring potential alternative hardware opportunities to present an enhanced experience for those looking for greater immersion.
Future Vision
Pushing the medium of VR forward by integrating existing hardware from Free as the Wind. Bridging these two pieces of technology together would set a new level of immersion for the industry.