Phillip Stearns

Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., Phillip Stearns (a.k.a. PixelForm) creates work informed by physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, philosophy, and fiber art, among other fields. Using live performance, audio, video, musical composition, writing, circuit sculpture, and installations, he proposes that technologies, machines, and tools are manifestations of our dreams and fears, cultural values, and perceptual biases. In an artist’s statement, Stearns writes:

“… [I]t is important to understand that a device can shape our thoughts, that we take on the same thinking that went into the making of the device each time we use it.

“…In my work with electronics, I have not built devices to be used, but experienced. They have their own internal logic, but it is not necessary to access it. There are deeper metaphors embedded within the design of some of my work[;] however, this should come secondary to the experience. It is there that the meanings can be strung together, without a deep understanding of what is going on and how it is happening.” [1]

Stearns is the creator of 2012’s Year of the Glitch, during which he created a new work of “glitch art” every day for a year, and Glitch Textiles, a project exploring the intersection of digital art and textile design. The resulting blankets and scarves are inspired by biological viruses and computer operating systems. “The designs are surprisingly warm, given the cold, abstract nature of the subject matter,” notes writer/designer Sammy Medina. [2]

Stearns received his MFA in music composition and integrated media from the California Institute of Arts in 2007 and his BS in music technology from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2005.

For more information on Phillip Stearns, visit http://phillipstearns.wordpress.com/.

For a video interview with Phillip Stearns and other glitch artists, see http://video.pbs.org/video/2265493171/.

 [1] Phillip Stearns, Artist’s Statement, Rabbithole, http://www.rabbitholeprojects.com/content/03-nov-11-phillip-stearns-subliminal-machines. (Accessed 11/10/2014)

[2] Sammy Medina, “Text(ile) Messages: Cozy Up to Glitch Art,” Fast Company/Making It, http://www.fastcodesign.com/1673063/textile-messages-cozy-up-to-glitch-art. (Accessed 11/10/2014)