INADVERTENT INTERACTION
Ricarda McDonald

My work explores interactions, whether positive or negative, inadvertent or purposeful, and the nature of movement.

The work joins the forces of light, water, the gravitational center of Earth (via the plum bob), motors, electronic circuit boards, photosensitive cells, video camera, computer and the viewer.

A small rectangular glass box of water is situated on a low plinth between the wall and a light source. The light source is aimed to reflect the surface of the water on the wall. Above the glass box, on either end, a brass plumb bob is suspended. Video camera and photosensitive cells register movement within their range and transmit that information back to the computer running a PureData patch that then sends a signal to the controller and onto the ceiling mounted motor. The motor activates and dips the plumb bob into the water to create the waves.

Also connected to the computer are two different sensing devices: one devised using a video camera and a PureData patch, the other with multiple sensing devices. It is the viewer’s movement that activates the motor and plumb bob to generate waves. These are the waves of consequence. The viewer may be aware of their interaction with the work or not, depending on their level of observation and awareness of their environment.

The box of water is small and made of glass. The size of the box is meant to reflect the precious and fragile nature of water.

The light reflects the results of interactions on the wall at approximately eye-level to illuminate the consequences, whether known or unknown, intentional or unintentional.

The sensing devices may not be easy to locate. This depends on the viewer.

A wave does not begin with a destination in mind. Similarly, most movement in our world does not begin with a goal or purpose in mind. Being devoid of purpose does not mean it is devoid of consequence. Whether or not you are aware of your interaction with my work, the consequences are revealed through the image on the wall. Likewise each movement made whether conscious or unconscious, intentional or inadvertent, initiates a ripple of consequence that is passed on through space.

When you take your next step, think back… recall the image and glance around to see the ripples emanate from you.

– Ricarda McDonald

Ricarda McDonald

Ricarda McDonald graduated from the National Ballet School in Toronto and continued dance studies while completing a Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. McDonald worked as a systems analyst in the aeronautical and financial sectors, followed by work in the social service area as a therapeutic parent for disturbed children. In India she worked as a volunteer in trade school education for impoverished children. She also worked as a literary researcher and editor/publisher in Delhi and supervised the construction of two buildings in the Himalayas.

Returning to Canada McDonald resumed work in the computer industry as an operating systems analyst, computer software specialist and project manager. Simultaneously, she taught Ballet at the University of Calgary and performed in local dance productions. After moving to Vancouver, McDonald completed a BFA at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, at which point she began exhibiting her work. McDonald served on the Board of Directors of the Richmond Art Gallery as Vice President and Chair of the Permanent Collection Committee for a number of years. She continues her art practice and exhibitions of her work but also devotes time to the underwater world as a scuba diving instructor and an underwater photographer.