andrew johnston

In my practice and research I explore ways of using new technology in artistic contexts, with an emphasis on the development of interactive software for live performance. My PhD work involved the creation of a number of computer-based musical instruments which used novel interaction strategies to facilitate creative, conversational approaches to music making.

Currently, I am co-director of the Creativity and Cognition Studios, an interdisciplinary research group working at the intersection of creativity and technology.

I am interested in working with creative artists, performers and technologists who have an interest in further exploring new approaches to creativity and interaction.

My approach is very much 'practice based', in that I work with artists to create performance works - rather than working to develop technologies or 'instruments' in isolation. The process of creating these works allows us to explore the interactive possibilities between live performer and computer and to identify successful (and unsuccessful) strategies. The creative work is also a way of exploring creative interaction more broadly - including the creative practices of performers. In other words, while technology and design is a significant component of the research, human creative practice is equally important.

Some examples of current and past work...

Creature: Installation - Highlights from Stalker & Box of Birds on Vimeo.	Creature: Installation, premiered at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, June 2016. 360 Degree Immersive Interactive visuals by Andrew Bluff, Boris Bagatinni and Andrew Johnston.
	Creature: An Adaptation of Dot and the Kangaroo, premiered at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, June 2016. Interactive visuals by Andrew Bluff, Boris Bagatinni and Andrew Johnston.
	The Sticks Get Visualised Interactive visuals with Alon Ilsar (AirSticks), Daniel Pliner, Josh Ahern and Andrew Bluff.
	Creature An installation & performance at the Bundanon Trust 'Siteworks' event, October 2014. Andrew Bluff, Andrew Johnston & David Clarkson.
	Speech Games Video demoing Speech Invaders and Yak Man, two speech controlled games developed as part of the Creative Vocal Systems for Engaging Speech Therapy project.
	Airflow In collaboration with Linda Walsh (oboe) and Andrew Bluff (interactive system). A performance at the Newcastle Conservatorium on December 12, 2013.
	Pixel Mountain Interactive systems developed with Stalker Theatre for presentation at the Gwacheon Festival and Hi Seoul in Korea, September-October 2013.
	Encoded Some highlights from Encoded, a collaboration with Stalker Theatre.
	Touching Dialogue at NIME 2010 Phil Slater (trumpet), Jason Noble (clarinet) and I perform at New Interfaces for Musical Expression 2010.
	Touching Dialogue Ben Marks (trombone) and I perform an improvisation at the Bon Marche Theatre, University of Technology Sydney, September 2009.
	Partial Reflections III An improvised performance by Diana Springford and Jason Noble (clarinets) at the Sound Lounge with software for Partial Reflections III, November 2007. Video by Kraig Grady.
Partial Reflections from Andrew Johnston on Vimeo.	Partial Reflections - Ben Marks and Andrew Johnston A complete live performance of Partial Reflections at the Queensland Conservatorium on May 17, 2007. Sorry about the low light.
	Partial Reflections : Photo Gallery Some photographs of Ben Marks performing Partial Reflections (aka 'Spheres of Influence'), for solo trombone and interactive software.