MEMBER / TEACHER FEATURE // Luke Schantz Plays (Almost) As Hard As He Works

Artist/designer Luke Schantz specializes in video, lighting, electronics and live entertainment. All of those skills come together in his work as media designer for Blue Man Group and with individual artists like Ralph Lemon and Carey Young. He's got lots to say about being both a 3rd Ward member and instructor; currently teaching MaxMSP and 3D Design for animation, with plans to teach a survey course called "Trends and Topics in the Techno-sphere." And that's only a small part of what's on his plate--which explains why he's never been out in the sun for an interval longer than 15 minutes (seriously).

Read on to find out what keeps him so happily occupied.  

3W: In what capacity do you “use” 3rd Ward?

LS: I have quite a bit of equipment, furniture and materials stuffed into less than 200-square feet of space at 3rd Ward.  It’s a collection of new and old; some functional items are almost 100 years old, including a workbench that my grandfather built as a child.  For most of my life, I haven’t had a proper studio to work in, so the past year and a half here has been amazing.  I had caches of tools, materials and ideas waiting for some time and space to work.  It has taken me months and countless trips around the tri-state to unite these parts.  And when I say "unite these parts," I mean it in the Voltron sense of "unite these parts.”

My space at 3rd Ward reflects both the practical and the symbolic. I have a lovely collection of medical devices and implements, some of which I wouldn’t want to use for an actual operation.  But just having them together as a collection alters the environment in a way that helps me really consider what’s going on with modern bio-medical advancements and the burgeoning trans-humanist culture.  People stop me in the hall and ask me about my bone setting apparatus, which creates an opportunity to talk about the engineer who designed his own heart valve, and that opens up a dialogue about transhumanism… 

3W: What have you worked on lately at 3rd Ward?

LS: Most recently, I completed an Axial Helical Mode Antenna Array.  A friend and colleague of mine, Zarah Cabanas, asked if I wanted to collaborate on a show called Time Capsules to Space.  Inspired by the Voyager spacecraft, we created a time capsule consisting of a video transmission into outer space. I knew of the "cantenna" projects for Wi-Fi and after some research figured the Axial Mode Helical Antenna Array was the way to go.

In a serendipitous set of events the same week, I met Michaela Russo, an experienced electrical engineer and technician.  She had worked on a number of development projects during the Star Wars program and on industrial microwave projects for industry. We were on a tight budget, and we had to come up with the antenna ourselves from scratch.  We used the laser cutter at NYC Resistor to cut the acrylic for the antenna masts.  We assembled them and wrapped the coils on the picnic tables in the alley at 3rd Ward.  A bunch of people from 3rd Ward helped out with fashioning the metal, wood and acrylic components.

This one is dubbed House Sparrow.  All future antenna designs will also bare the name of a passerine bird.  The project is about expression and the electromagnetic spectrum—about extending our voices as makers into the tools we use to express ourselves.  The project is going to continue, and Zarah will host more events to be broadcast.  Future iterations of the antenna will include a tripod base that can accurately aim the antenna.  Eventually, it will be nice to have the antenna on a motorized articulated mount.  

3W: What would you say inspires your work?

LS: I have my own set of idols or heros.  Nikola Tesla, Jack Parsons, Paul Feyerabend, Noam Chomsky and the contemporary futurists and life extension people are very influential to me, as well many historical figures and the ancients. I also think a lot about those people considered to be really "out there": John Lilly, Wilheim Reich, Ram Dass, Terence McKenna. 

I think that I live a very human life, but I’m just not really interested in video games, sports or going to concerts.  I take that energy and focus it on my innate interests.  I’m glad that this is what I like to do, rather than some hobby that costs too much money and offers no return.  We’re lucky if we can enjoy our work.  My future wife often comments that it’s not fair that I should be so satisfied by shopping for office supplies.  I really just like workshops, studios, labs and offices.

3W: How were you introduced to 3rd Ward?

LS: I was looking for a studio space and started asking around. A friend and colleague, Matt Werden at Blue Man Group, told me about 3rd Ward.  I called over and made an appointment to get a tour [in 2009]. At first, I was just a member, and over time, I’ve picked up classes I’m qualified to teach.

3W: Do you live nearby, or do you travel a while to get there?

LS: I live nearby.  I actually rented the apartment because of its proximity to 3rd Ward.  Sometimes I get busy with video and stage projects during the day.  So I wanted to live close to my studio.  This way I squeeze in some extra work in the morning and at night and not have the burden of a commute. 

3W: Do you feel like this place has enhanced your creativity and innovation? 

The daily interaction between artists, designers, faculty, staff and craftsmen at 3rd Ward has really expanded my skill sets and exposed me to things I might not have thought about otherwise, like TIG welding or constructing some crazy puppet.  Just by being at 3rd Ward and having your eyes open, you can't help but to learn about different disciplines. Wikipedia and Instructables are great ways to get overview of concept, but when you’re hands on, that face-to-face personal dialogue and first-hand experience is priceless.  Asking a question and getting immediate feedback is the way I learn best, especially if I need to do something complicated or dangerous, and I’ve never done it before.  3rd Ward is great because it's filled with people competent in a wide variety of disciplines; I can easily take a class or go to someone who is an expert. And there’s something to be said for sharing resources and facilities for the sake of efficiency and sustainability.

3W: What 3rd Ward events have you participated in?

LS: The MakerBot event last month was awesome.  The folks from MakerBot came and so did a bunch of users.  We set up our Makerbots in Studio B and we talked to folks about 3D printing with the Makerbot. The parties and art openings are also fun. It’s a perk to be able to work and then move right to party mode.  It’s great to have that in-house.  I certainly get exposed to more arts, music, and culture than I would if I had to make some other special effort to get out.  I work a lot.  I haven't been in the sun for more than 15 minutes since I was 15. I’m serious. Socially, it comes down to simple home field advantage; it feels like all these people are coming over to my place.  When Reggie Watts performed, I went to see his set and was back working on my project within minutes.

3W: What advice do you have for potential or new 3rd Ward members? 

LS: Clean up after yourself in the shop.  Don't horse around.  Wear safety goggles.  Pull up your sleeves up when using power tools.  Keep your long hair tied up and away from machinery.  Beware of fumes and too much PBR. 

-- Cara Cannella