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 

B-DAY BIKES // Red Hook Crit Photo Exhibition at Our Birthday BBQ!

Photo of the Red Hook Crit by Ed Glazar.

In addition to the great food, screen printing, live music, a VJ battle and various workshops happening at our Birthday BBQ this Saturday, you'll also get to check out an exhibition of photographs from the Red Hook Criterium; an intense cycling race that takes place in the cold, dark night of Red Hook each year. We spoke with Red Hook Crit founder David Trimble to get the inside scoop on the race and the exhibition.

It all began when Trimble decided to throw a birthday party in 2008. "Being a bike racer and having many bike racing friends I knew they wouldn't come out unless there was a shot at personal glory," he says. "Living in Red Hook at the time, I designed the format to be short, intense and above all else: spectator friendly."

From there things took off. "The first year Kacey Manderfield surprised all the boys to win," Trimble says. This March Dan Chabanov became the first two-time champion. Each year the crowd has tripled, and competitors have gone on to excel in the cycling world—every winner has turned pro.

That's no surprise considering the challenges of the Red Hook Crit. "The race takes an equal combination of skill, fitness, and bravery," Trimble says. "The riders that succeed in this race are experienced in multiple forms of cycling. This year's winner Dan Chabanov is a bike messenger, a pro cyclocross racer, and an elite level road cyclist."

And while elite cycling is at the center of the event, it's also attracted many talented photographers. "It's dark and the streets are really rough...this makes it visually exciting," Trimble says. "The amount of photographers who come out to document the race is substantial. I'm always blown away by the technical skill and different styles of the photography. This year I wanted to celebrate that."

The exhibition features work by renowned professional photographers including Ed Glazar, Marco Quezada, Kate Lacey, Jeremy Harris and Fred Askew. Check out the Red Hook Crit website for more info and a few photos, and see them all at 3rd Ward this Saturday!

-- John Ruscher

3RD WARD B-DAY // Get Briana Auel's Limited Edition 3rd Ward Birthday Print This Saturday

Briana Auel's screen print design.After featuring 3rd Ward member Briana Auel, a talented and award-winning designer and illustrator, in our inaugural Member Group Show earlier this month we thought, "Why not ask her to design a screen print for Saturday's Birthday BBQ?"

Much to our delight she said yes, so make sure to bring along your shirts, totes and the like to get her special edition screen print on Saturday!

You can check out other great designs by Auel, including prints, pillows and t-shirts, at her Broken Heart Social Club Etsy store and on her website. And, for the absolute latest, follow her on Twitter!

"Broken Heart Social Club and the art/design/illustration that I create are a direct representation of who I am as a person," Auel tells us. "A bike lover. A music devourer. An envelope pusher. A PBR drinking, whiskey swilling sailor-mouthed lady. I tend to create things that push comfort levels, but I soften the vulgarity through the pastel palette I often use. I love juxtaposition and I love the element of surprise."

Auel recently moved to Brooklyn from Minneapolis, so look out for much more from her in the future. "I'm often spotted cruising around BK on my bike with my white maltese pup, Cricket, slung across my chest in a sack," she adds. "If you spot us, say hello!"

3rd Ward's Birthday BBQ is this Saturday from 2-8pm and, in addition to Auel's awesome screen print, there will also be cheap delicious food, workshops, VJs, live music, a photography exhibition and more. And it's free! See you there!

MakerBot Make-A-Thon // Photos are Up!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Makerbot Make-A-Thon. We had a great crowd of industrial designers, hackers, kids, teachers, and the technologically curious. See below for a couple of our favorite pics and check out the 3rd Ward Facebook Page or Flickr to see the whole album. 

Plus, learn more about MakerBot and its far-reaching applications in this New York Times article.

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

© Liz Clayman

MEMBER PROFILE // Niall McKay Lands at 3rd Ward

In the late ‘90s, Niall McKay was a print journalist visiting San Francisco from his native Ireland to cover a conference. His transition to living and working in the States went something like this: “I woke up one morning, looked out the window and saw the Golden Gate Bridge below me and said, ‘Fuck it. I am moving here.’”

McKay spent more than a decade in the Bay Area, where he founded the Emmy award-winning production company Media Factory and created the critically acclaimed, intensely personal documentary feature The Bass Player -- in which he accompanies the return of his jazz musician father home to Ireland. The writer/producer/director is now in the process of relocating to New York, with 3rd Ward—where he uses the co-working desk space, meets clients and edits projects in the Media Lab—as his office.

As a filmmaker, McKay says he gets a kick out of wandering around 3rd Ward and meeting interesting folks (like a guy who does storyboards for HBO shows). Sharing space with photographers, painters, furniture makers and metal gurus makes him feel right at home.

“New York is a larger community,” he says, comparing it to San Francisco, “but it feels smaller for some reason.” (We'd like to think we play a part in that.)

--Cara Cannella 

BIRTHDAY BBQ BITES // Chef Eric Sherman Unveils Saturday's Menu!

Bite into goodness with chef Eric Sherman this Saturday!In case you hadn't heard, 3rd Ward is celebrating five years of innovation, creation and inspiration with our Annual Birthday BBQ this Saturday, May 21, from 2-8pm!

Admission is free and will feature demos and workshops, a VJ battle, a photo exhibition, live music and, of course, some cheap and tasty eats.

Chef Eric Sherman will be whipping up the food, and we caught up with him to ask a few questions about his work and Saturday's menu (with everything well-priced under $8).

"When I was a kid I hated mowing the lawn, and my mom hated cooking dinner, so we switched," Sherman says, describing his path to chefdom. "Over the years, I picked up family recipes, honed my technique and let my passion for the most beautiful and delicious ingredients lead me to create meals for the people I care about. For me, cooking has always been about the experience. Finding amazing raw ingredients, preparing and then enjoying them with great company."

Well then, Eric. Consider yourself in great company this Saturday. 

For your appetite-whetting pleasure, we've got the menu and Sherman's take on each of his delicious dishes.

"Nachos Gringos" - Homemade Tortilla Chips with Vegetarian Black Beans, Spicy Citrus Crema, Cotija Cheese and Pickled Jalepenos; option to add on Chili-braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder

Nachos Gringos is kind of a joke because a friend of mine went into our favorite authentic taqueria and figured that they only made this plate of nachos for us (gringos) when he and I came in. So in an attempt to clarify, he asked for nachos, you know, 'nachos gringos.' They are homemade chips, topped with vegetarian black beans, citrus crema, cotija cheese, and pickled carrots and jalepenos on top.  This is not gloopy Cheese Whiz nachos.  Much more of a traditional Mexican take on a very much gringo-fied American bar snack. Meatify your nachos gringos experience with red chili-braised berkshire pork shoulder.  It is spice-rubbed and slow braised for 8 hours, for melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness. Ole!

Polish Kielbasa on Pretzel Roll with Beer-Braised Onions and Mustard Array

Kielbasa with beer braised onions on a pretzel roll is a straightforward approach to sausage. In fact, it's a riff on the classic beer brats from Wisconsin. Grilled smoky sausage, soft and savory malty onions and mustard, served on one of my favorite breads, pretzel bread. Its a hot dog bun that tastes like a pretzel.  Brilliant!

Portugese Chorizo with Sweet and Sour Figs on Parkerhouse Roll

Spanish tapas-inspired chorizo with sweet and sour figs is a dish that I have been fine tuning for this summer season. Portugese-style chorizo is roasted and then mixed with figs in a sweetened, sherry vinegar sauce. The garlic and smoky paprika-laden pork is lovely with the sweet and sour notes of the fig, as well as the pleasant contrasting texture of the fig itelf.

Carrot Dogs [Vegan] on Potato Roll with Herb Aioli, Anise Pickled onions, and Mustard Array

Carrot Dogs are a summertime vegetarian favorite.  They are actually vegan (without the aioli), and delicious. Someone (albeit rather inebriated) actually mistook it for a real hot dog once!  The carrots are gently braised with olive oil and herbs and then finished on the grill.  People always ask me for the recipe...

MEMBER PURSUITS // Ragnar Lagerblad's Exquisite Shrines

Ragnar Lagerblad has only been at 3rd Ward for around six months, but he's already deep into exploring what his membership can add to his work. He just finished up a lathe class and is moving on to woodworking and welding.

Though he doesn't plan to build your typical table or bookshelf. Working mostly with traditional techniques such as egg tempera and fresco painting, Lagerblad delves into syncretism in his art, incorporating elements of a variety of different cultures.

With his newly acquired skills he plans to build his own metal structures for his fresco paintings and craft shrines in wood and tempera as well as gilding and scagliola, "an old way of doing fake marble."

"I like to be in control of what I am doing, so I try to do everything from scratch," he says. "I believe that learning to work with wood will add a lot to my work."

In the meantime, check out one of Lagerblad's truly unreal shrines!

-- John Ruscher

MEMBER PROFILE // The Evolution of Patricio Jijon

“One of my earliest recollections is being naked at the beach of the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean, trying to understand the infinity of the size of the sea,” says artist and 3rd Ward member Patricio Jijon.

See this work on display in the 3rd Ward front window.

This “ambiguous sensitivity”—first experienced as a two-year-old staring at the horizon—remains a source of inspiration and creative energy for Jijon, who became a member with his wife Stephanie Garcia in late 2010.

“3rd Ward is helping me to transmutate my artistic career from painting into new media installation and performance art,” he says. Like any new language, software is “really hard to learn alone,” so Jijon has immersed himself in the interactive multimedia community at 3rd Ward by taking courses in Processing, Max/MSP, Sensors, Arduino, After Effects, and Blender. Skills acquired along the way also inform his work as a musician, producer, illustrator, photographer, and graphic designer.

Going back to his more low-tech roots, Jijon loves to participate in Drink N’ Draw, where he once was “amazed and thrilled” to recognize the model. “It was a friend of my wife, and also it was the first time I saw her naked.”

Once again, Jijon is in his awe-struck element, and the sky’s the limit. 

-- Cara Cannella

Q&A // WSJ Information Architect Luke Miller lectures this Thursday at 3rd Ward

On Thursday, May 19, Luke Miller, lead Mobile and Emerging Technologies Information Architect at the Wall Street Journal, will be presenting a lecture about the field of information architecture (IA) right here at 3rd Ward.

It'll run from 7:30-9:30pm and it's totally free! Just make sure to RSVP and reserve your spot. To give you an idea of what Miller will be talking about we asked him a few questions.

3rd Ward: What is information architecture?

Luke Miller: The way I usually describe Information Architecture is by comparing buildings and applications/web sites. All require hard labor, by construction workers in one instance and coders in the other, and all require an aesthetic touch by a designer. But before any of this can happen they must first be architected--that includes how to get around, making sure people are satisfied and impressed, and also what to do when you are lost.

3W: How has the field of information architecture changed with the emergence of mobile and other new technologies?

LM: Even with the emergence of these new interaction models the same pillars still hold true: always be aware of the users' context and keep things simple. You will hear the word optimization a lot these days and all that that means is to use the content you have and transform it based on the context of the situation your users are in. 

3W: What are some examples of great information architecture in action today? 

LM: Anytime the user doesn't have to go hunting for a button or function, thats an example of a job well done. Currently, I am dealing with mobile situations a lot and some of my favorite examples can be found on lovelyui.com.

3W: How did you get started in the field of information science and information architecture?

LM: In college, I was an English major and studied epistemology—why we know what we know. In graduate school, I studied how we know what we know—HCI, UX, information architecture, multimedia interactivity, & visualization. I've always had an interest in the way people come to understand the things around them--wanting to be a part of that learning process was how I got involved.

3W: Where do you see the field headed in the coming years?

LM: For practitioners I see the need for IAs to learn prototyping to get their concepts across, static wireframes just won't cut it anymore. For newbies in the field, get involved with Natural and Vocal User Interfaces (NUIs & VUIs). Death to the mouse & keyboard!  

DAYTRIP // Lobby for Payment Protection with the Freelancers Union on Tuesday

If you're a freelancer or know one, chances are pretty good that you've either experienced or heard a horror story about lost wages. Right now, freelancers have to go through the time-consuming and costly process of literally suing to get the pay that they deserve. The Freelancers Union, however, is trying to change that, and you can help!

Tomorrow, May 17, the union will be leading a lobby day to support the Freelancer Payment Protection Act, which would allow freelancers to submit a lost wages claim before the Labor Board rather than suing. They are organizing a day trip to Albany to address the legislature directly, and they want you to come along!

Transportation, breakfast and lunch will be provided, and the trip will depart at 7am Tuesday morning. Here's a little more info from the union:

The purpose of the trip will be to bring freelancers and other concerned people to representatives and senators offices, to make their voices heard and support the legislation. The Freelancers Union will prepare everyone and it will be a good day of citizen action with your fellow freelancers.

You can sign up for the trip by contacting Kaitlyn Newman at 718.532.1515 ext. 784 or knewman@freelancersunion.org or going to this website.