When I gradually started working less a few years ago (after a long career in the IT industry), and started thinking about quitting altogether, I was introduced to the world of robotics, and that took me down the path that ultimately led to the creation of the ‘DiscArted Objects’ that this website is about.
Just to be clear: the word “DiscArted” in the name of the website is a play on words, a corruption of “discarded” where “ard” has been changed into “Art”.
I became enthusiastic about the possibilities of certain electronic components, with which – if you have some programming experience – you can build small systems that interact with their environment. Movement, light, sound, WiFi/internet, that kind of thing. Robotics, in other words.
After experimenting with it for a while, I came to the conclusion that it is the perfect way to continue using my IT background, but in a completely different way, such that I can be creative, but not hindered by the dependence on employers or customers. The life of an artist, actually 😉
Reusing materials – UPCYCLING – was an added challenge.
Of course, using new components might simplify my life a bit from time to time, but I can assure you that it brings a lot of pleasure – at least to me – to look at something that has been thrown away, and to imagine how that could be part of a project I’m working on, or – even more fun – how it could be the start of a completely new “DiscArted Object”…
I hope you enjoy looking at my creations, let me know what you think…
By the way, I am a member of an artist collective here in South Limburg, the “SKP” (“Stichting Kunstkring Parkstad”, see website www.kunstkringparkstad.nl).
SKP has a gallery (Galerie “SKP045”, in the central shopping street of Brunssum), where I have regularly exhibited my objects in recent years. See the posters below!
If you are near the gallery and you see my things in the window, please come in!
Jos van der Wielen
Brunssum
POSTERS
