In this article I'll give you a lightning overview of SuperCollider (SC). I'll point you to the best tutorials I've found, and give you some advice on how to learn SC -- so if you're ready let's get started!

What is SuperCollider?
SuperCollider allows you to type in code and output sound. The code you type describes how the sound-generating objects should behave. It's interpreted in realtime, and you hear the results straight away through your speakers.

I've long known that openFrameworks was a really strong platform for my type of work. But my friend and collaborator Gene Kogan has now convinced me that the community is really a great place to be too, so I've decided to invest a little time.

Along with SuperCollider these are now the platforms I'm seriously considering in preparation for the I-Park residency.

This post is a quick intro to overtones, harmonics and additive synthesis, using a video lovingly prepared by Synth School as a reference point:

These are the building blocks of synthetic computer sound, so it pays to spend some time getting a grasp of the basics.

New York state has some outstanding areas of natural beauty. On Sunday we hiked up a trail in Cold Spring, and brought back some photographic evidence.

I want to talk in this post about some of the discussions that came up as we walked, and the way they are affecting how I'm thinking about my upcoming projects. I'll illustrate the text with some shots of our hike.

I have just accepted a residency at I-Park, Connecticut starting in mid-August 2012!

I-Park is a unique space - it is a woodland retreat, and the work I do will be embedded in the natural environment. This is a first for me, having always exhibited in cities (although not always in a whitewall gallery!)

I've been invited to produce an artwork for Light Waves, an interactive lighting installation spanning several buildings in Ipswich. My work will feature as one of a series of works using the lighting infrastructure installed by Creatmosphere at the end of last year.

We had a kick-off meeting last night to discuss the project, at the Electric Matchbox in Hackney Wick. Hayden and Denise talked us through the infrastructure.

A few nights ago, after 3 intense days and nights of working, we installed our collaborative installation at Freemote Utrecht. After all the work, it was up for about 6 hours.

The group I've been working with, V4W, do this a lot - it's all part of the process for them. Turn up with a bunch of equipment, create an artwork onsite during opening hours, and display it on the final night. While we were working, people came over and observed, made comments (and jokes), and asked questions.