HugPrints

HugPrints at The Mind Museum's Science Brewery

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:02:00 -0400

Last September 23, I was invited to give a talk / workshop at ~~my favorite place in Manila~~ The Mind Museum about my sensory projects. Like my other talks, this one had a sense kit, interactivity, etc. Unlike my other talks, I explained the science behind my work. After having to consciously remove the science from my explanations in art and design schools, it was quite refreshing to be required to explain the neuroscience and psychology behind my work. It felt like riding a bike after so long—thankfully, your mind still does remember what a synapse is! Whew.

Another big difference is that there were quite a number of kids in the audience. This was important (and also a big test for me), because I always felt that children were my primary audience. For me, if they didn’t “understand” the work, it meant that I wasn’t being clear enough and that there were still some things I could take away. And so it was gratifying to see kids eagerly raising their hands when I asked them questions. They were always responsive, most of the time even more so than the adults.

I’m also grateful to the museum staff because this is the first time I didn’t have to make the kits. A big thank you especially to my lovely assistant Steph as well as the museum’s science education officer, Marco, who took care of me the entire day.

Some photos, thanks to The Mind Museum:

For more photos of the rest of the talk, visit this post.

The Mind Museum

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 04:32:06 -0400

This Sunday, September 23rd, I’ll be presenting this project together with my other sense projects at The Mind Museum in Taguig, Manila. I absolutely LOVE this museum—its exhibits, staff, and spaceship-like architecture— so if you’re in the area, hope to see you there! There are two other speakers in the afternoon: Alex Hornstein who just launched a successful Kickstarter project, The Solar Pocket Factory, and Dr. Jerrold Garcia, a physicist who asks, “Why are we so afraid of science?”

I also have to remember that in Manila, people call me “Cathy.” It’s so strange. I’ve been “Catherine” and “Cat” for so long. (There was an anchorwoman named Cathy Yang years ago; I suppose that’s why “Cathy Young” is easier to remember.) So you know, this is still me:

Book tickets at www.tickets.themindmuseum.org. Hope to see you!

HugPrints at TEDxNewHaven

Sat, 19 May 2012 22:09:56 -0400

Last April 28th, I gave some talks at TEDxNewHaven, with the theme The Art and Science of Happiness. My friends and I assembled 200 sense kits for the audience, with all my sense projects in physical, non-digital formats.

Photo credit: Ruoxi Yu

During the first talk, I presented HugPrints.

Photo credit: Chris Randall

I gave a demo of the vest and among the lovely volunteers I got, this lady gave me a hug.

Photo credit: Chris Randall

She was quite warm, not just literally but in the personality sense as well!

Photo credit: Ruoxi Yu

Thanks to the TEDxNewHaven team and audience for a wonderful time!

Chris

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:22:00 -0400