Jill Lin

1. Your artistic practice encompasses textiles, knitwear, performance, and interactive digital art. How do you find synergy between these diverse disciplines, and how does each medium contribute to your exploration of interactive canvases and audio-reactive visualisation technologies?

A: I  believe in the therapeutic power of creativity, viewing it as a form of healing, The common thread interwoven throughout my creations is the goal of crafting an immersive environment that invites the audience to connect with the artwork on multiple sensory levels, ultimately facilitating a sense of healing and restoration.Considering the use of different textures, materials, and patterns could add a tactile and temperature dimension which provide a physical connection.Performance brings a human element to the engaging creations, movements, gestures, and expressions can influence the behavior of the interactive elements. As for digital technologies, which allows me to create  fluid and responsive artworks that change based on various inputs, such as sound, touch, or movement.This adaptability becomes a way for me  to expand the  participatory approach which could foster a sense of ownership and connection among the visitors.

2. Heartbeat Topography is a captivating project that combines art, science, and emotional well-being. What inspired you to draw from Polyvagal Theory, and how do you aim to promote bodily and emotional security through this audio visualisation project?

A: The inception of this project draws from the MA research conducted on the concept of a sense of security at RCA. Polyvagal Theory links our physiological responses to stress and feelings of safety, rooted in the functioning of the vagus nerve and the regulation of the autonomic system. It suggests that a sense of safety happens when the heart and the breath are in harmony.To further develop this concept, I participated in various workshops and consulted experts in related fields. These experiences helped shape the core of Heartbeat Topography. 

Heartbeat Topography tries to create audiovisual experiences that help individuals to observe and regulate their breath and heart rhythms with the visual cues they perceive. I aim for individuals to experience a sense of tranquility. It mirrors a shared moment of serenity.These practices lead to heightened awareness of the subtle shifts and patterns within individuals bodies, fostering a deeper connection with their emotional landscapes.This phenomenon is often associated with Entrainment, it's like this natural synchronization where external stimulation, such as visual cues or rhythmic patterns, influences and aligns with internal physiological processes.

3. The transformation of physiological data into a new language is a fascinating concept. Could you elaborate on how you use this data to create a universal means of communication and understanding that transcends cultural and societal barriers?

A: Physiological responses such as heart rate and breath patterns are fundamental aspects of human biology. Regardless of cultural or societal differences, these bodily functions are shared by all humans. These visuals can serve as a medium of communication because they rely on basic human perceptual and cognitive processes.The incorporation of real-time feedback introduces an approach to learning, making practices for realising with the inner body easier. It would allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to represent and explore the artworks on a personal level.

4. Heartbeat Topography creates personalised visual landscapes based on individual physiological data. How do you ensure that each person's unique heartbeat is accurately translated into a distinctive and meaningful visual representation?

A: It may not provide medical-grade accuracy like specialized devices, the goal is to provide an emotional experience for the representation. It starts by collecting and recording real-time physiological sound from participants with the agreement. They will position a stethoscope on their hearts, with a mini microphone embedded in the tube to detect internal body sounds. The sound signals will be adjusted for quality and adaptability through an Audio Interface and delivered to the participants by headphone. At the same time, these signals will be linked to real-time interactive software which is used to analyze the audio and it would convert the sound into personal visual effects.

5. Colour therapy plays a role in the changing hues of your visual landscapes. How do you select specific colours to evoke emotional responses and further enhance the sensory experience of your artwork?

A: The visual components I aim to incorporate draw inspiration from nature, the main chosen colors, white and green, work together to foster feelings of safety and balance. White is often associated with purity, clarity, and simplicity. It is a color that could create the sensory experience by providing a soothing effect for other elements. Green, associated with nature and renewal, is the signal of safety, and promotes feelings of balance and harmony, further enhancing the connection between the observer and the visuals.

6. As your work involves real-time biofeedback devices, how do you strike a balance between the technical aspects and artistic expression to maintain a seamless and engaging interactive experience for users?

A: While technology offers a wide range of possibilities, I view technology as a tool to enhance expression rather than the main focus. Prioritizing the intent and emotional resonance of the experience is better to adapt and thrive in different situations for me. It is important to think about how I want participants to feel and to have as they engage with the devices.Therefore, I hold workshops as a crucial process to refine the designs through feedback and selecting resonances with visual elements, ensuring that the technology remains aligned with the intended artistic expression.

7. In your journey of exploring interactive art, have you encountered any unexpected challenges or breakthrough moments that significantly influenced the direction of your projects?

A: As with a background in textile and knitwear, delving into new technological realms needs lots of interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration.Achieving synchronization among different components, including sound, visuals, and user inputs are big challenges for me. With the involvement of sound studio technicians, neuroscience professionals, breathwork workshop facilitators, interactive software specialists, and my tutor, a sound therapist , the conversations lead me to translate the artistic ideas into technical solutions, ensuring the users could engage with the interactive art.

8. Your artist statement emphasises creating a more inclusive and universally applicable means of identification. How do you see the potential impact of your art on diverse audiences, and how can it foster a sense of connection and understanding among people from various backgrounds?

A: Initially, my focus centered on a particular underserved group,However, I came to the realization that I wanted my work to have a broader impact and connect with a wider range of people.This realization lead me to my exploration of various nature-derived visuals.Through combining components such as the textural and hues of grasslands, the sensation of wind, and the grounded essence of the earth, I uncovered the ability to craft a collective encounter that transcends cultural and social disparities. These are elements universally relatable, irrespective of our origins. Observing these familiar natural features within the real time devices as a common thread that binds us together.

9. Looking ahead, what exciting projects or directions are you considering for your 

multidisciplinary art practice, and how do you envision your work evolving in the future?

A: Heartbeat Topography serves as a starting point of my journey, providing a solid foundation upon which to both refine and expand. One aspect of this refinement involves ensuring its simplicity that makes it engaging and accessible. Moreover, I am exploring how participants can integrate the experiences from Heartbeat Topography into their daily lives to craft a lasting impact.