When I first started Tales of Transformation (better known as ToT in the inner circles), I had the premise of an idea about the 70-minute documentary I wanted to create. But little did I know that ToT was going to evolve into something much larger both in concept and in story.
It has taken quite a bit of time get ToT up and running, mainly due to other life obligations such as work, but it is happening. It is now time to start revealing the story of ToT and the first artist being featured — GARY FREITAS.
EPISODE 1 / PILOT – THE ELECTRONIC ALCHEMIST
Tagline: The Fossils of our Electronic Consciousness featuring the Art of Gary Freitas
Recycled Materials: From electronics to sculptures
Theme: Art and Technology
Socio-Economic Impact: ”540 million years ago –– in a relatively short evolutionary time span –– began a rapid, mass diversification of biological organisms –– what paleontologists term the ‘Cambrian Explosion.’ This event gave rise to all the genetic diversity in the world today. I would offer that we are now experiencing the “Anthropocene Explosion” –– a similar time of rapid, mass diversification of technology and networked complexity that parallels the Cambrian Explosion. Technology and its millions of evolving configurations is guiding us towards the development of artificial intelligence and ultimately –– to Singularity –– and the rise of electronic consciousness (I am talking to you –– Alexa, Cortana and Siri!).”
For over ten years, Gary Freitas has been on a passionate mission to rescue discarded electronic components – modern relics of today’s technology. In the same way an archaeologist searches for fossils, Gary spends hours dumpster diving in the bowels of electronic recyclers. What fuels him is his fascination with our culture’s obsession and addiction to electronics and our ability to so easily discard these materials that were once considered essential.
His work, intricate sculptures made entirely of electronic components, come in many sizes, shapes, and colors – incorporating devices spanning multiple time periods. As he digs into a mound of wires, on his hands and knees, he reflects, “there is no place where we are not saturated by these devices, from our computers to our phones, our cameras, or even our alarm clocks and key fobs. So, in this sense, my art is an expression of how we have become wired.”
The idea of becoming “wired” is the primary theme in Gary’s story. We follow Gary’s artistic process as he finds old electronics and prepares a new sculpture for an upcoming museum exhibition. His process and reflections will be intercut with interviews with sociologists who specialize in technology addiction, elevating the conversation on how technology has had such a profound impact on our culture.
This episode contemplates what our future relationships with electronics will be. Gary’s sculptures are a visual reminder of how many devices we have used in the past and make us wonder what is to come.
Stay tune to hear more about the story of Tales of Transformation!