CDM’s report on spinning tech continues . . .
New York David Ellis doesn’t treat turntables the way some of us do. His turntables get wired to custom electronics, installed in tree trunks, and shown in galleries:
Opening at Feigan Contemporary [Single-eYe-twiligghT; scroll down]
All of this is possible through the magic of Ms. Pinky, a special vinyl record / software combination that lets you control computer software using conventional turntables. (See our previous report.) Unlike mainstream DJ solutions like Stanton’s Final Scratch, this one is cheap ($100 for four discs) and comes with a Max/MSP object so you can build your own custom audio and video patches.
But, of course, what’s extraordinary about David Ellis’ work is the imaginative, visually stunning worlds into which he injects his turntables. The fact that they’re scratchable and produce equally unique sounds just it that much cooler. (Check out the specs on the art below; these are real DJ setups, not just for show.) Makes your Technics 1200s look kinda boring just sitting there, huh? Now, if I can just install my Power Mac G5 into a potted palm-cum-mural . . .
More on the artist’s work:
David Ellis bio [Jessica Murray Projects]
Technics decks meet vintage amplifying horns and mural
Modified record players meet painted animal hides and . . . subway tokens?
