Daniel Phelps

I've worked in the arts, design, and education for over 20 years. Always focused on the affordances of emerging technology in the areas of Illusionary mediums, non-fiction narratives and experience design, my integrated media and documentary work has been demonstrated in art galleries, film festivals, the USPTO, supercomputer data visualization research and multimedia installation facilities around the country. This work captures the histories of time and place in multiple 2D and 3D mediums, blending emergent technological artifacts in autonomy, robotics, mixed realities, and other forms of digital fabrication for the applied sciences and modern multi-modal documentary arts.

What I Do

Interaction Design

Studying design and user experience over the past four years, my work has grown to focus on the experience "total art" can bring to an audience. How does the interactor navigate multiple mediums, and what vernacular must designers use to influence emotion and memory via technological means? What does Illusionary Art look like in the 21st century?

Education

Since my early days as an undergraduate, I have recognized the power to influence storytelling and the ability to expand a student's worldview through mentorship and example. My work is an extension of their goals in a changing media landscape. I pride myself on challenging myself to create effective pedagogical frameworks for every new generation of creators, regardless of their skill level.

Digital + Physical Media

Incorporating physical design and digital iteration requires understanding the limitations of digital prototyping and the affordances of modern materials and mediums. Introducing electronic processes into design is a specialty of mine, as I've been fortunate enough to find mentorship with talented artists, researchers, and technologists alike.

Large Project Management

A project's effectiveness is judged by the ability of those who champion the cause to bring the project to completion. The ability to bring people and funding together to create new experiences and further organizational goals is a highlight of my career.

Partners

Fun Facts

Students Mentored

over 160

Years in Industry

22

Sourdough Loaves

67

A note from Daniel...

As an undergraduate at California State University Sacramento, I was fortunate enough to learn the art of television and film production from Dr. Paul Cahill, a grizzled producer and director of television shows of yesteryear. He had a knack for connecting with students while bullying them into giving their best performances behind the studio’s cyclorama. This may have been because he was a Vietnam War veteran who lived on his sailboat in Alameda or his trip off the tongue critiques of narrative, light, and sound. I, however, knew that his natural talent for direct and often intimidating communication skills was because he wore an eyepatch and would often boast about having an advantage over the rest of the crew due to his lack of depth perception, seeing the world as the audience did in 2D. Maybe he was right.

Experiencing the world in 2D. Flat and pragmatic. It’s not a skill that most of us have. Our world has depth in the literal and the figurative sense, yet the popular mediums of consumption in modern culture are indeed that—flat obelisks of data. The screen as a medium, when off, is 2D, dull, and cold, yet we, as storytellers, summon empathy, sympathy, bliss, and all other forms of human emotion from it. Its motion is an illusion, yet we see, hear, and feel the storyteller’s conveyance of sentiment. It’s in the affordances of this 2D medium that my work exists. Whether as an input method through programming, writing, and design or its use as an extension of the document of our existence. I see the screen as the ultimate medium whose form remediates all that have come before it by exploiting its illusion to indemnify texture and sensation. My experience with Dr. Cahill’s sensory deprivation has stayed with me all these years, influencing my perception of the screen while pushing me to explore the medium’s potential as a malleable form.

Academia in the form of a career can be a challenging one. Having spent most of my academic journey at a minority-serving institution in Jamaica, Queens, provides me with a unique perspective on the challenges of a predominately immigrant urban community. Having also lived in Queens, I experience this community in stark contrast to the one I grew up in during my formative years. My friends, colleagues, and mentors were a diverse group of artists and academics. They exposed me to life more attuned to the modern challenges of a first and second-generation population adapting to a western capitalist society. This experience changed me in ways I could not imagine and upended my approach to practice and teaching. Environmental influences leaned on my creative work. Students challenged me to see life from their perspective and the unseen challenges they face every day. Topics such as gentrification, economic instability, violence, urban hustle, pregnancy, faith, conformity, family, and success were not only revealed in their creative work; It changed my worldview and my commitment to telling these stories. Their experience exposed me to my privilege by allowing a glimpse into the lives affected by public policy and the institutional racism burdening the BIPOC community. Their stories will forever humble me as I am grateful for their ability to overcome immense personal hardship and thrive.

My work has a clear line of delineation concerning intent and focus. While pursuing my MFA at The City University of New York, I worked with talented integrated media artists in nonfiction. The faculty and those in my Cohort were champions in their respective communities of responsible urban planning, workers’ rights, displacement, gender equality, and racial justice. The style and approach to this type of media were foreign to me as a product of the television production world in Los Angles. “Making with Meaning” held little capital in the entertainment community unless it could be sold as a product. The idea of exposing narratives of the underserved was emerging in the form of online self-distribution. Narrowcasting was a pivotal component in changing my understanding of what grassroots media could be. It gave me the license and agency to tell a story in which revenue generation wasn’t the goal; changing public policy was. So, incorporating compassionate and empathetic storytelling into my work was the spark of creative freedom that led me to The Domino Effect (TDE). This feature-length Documentary would be my first foray into applying my voice to tell a story that deserved to be told. At its core, TDE is an interweaving tale of land use politics and its effects on the displacement of minority populations. I am proud that that film has influenced public policy by exposing this country’s financial system that manipulates affordable housing and development.

The Domino Effect became a springboard for my academic career. It allowed me to pursue grant funding and gain access to hyper-local stories in the five boroughs. By leveraging emerging technology and novel forms of storytelling, The Future American Retrospective (FARvr) gathered advocates and champions in the LGBTQ+ community to expose its oral histories, challenges, and victories. FARvr was recorded in stereoscopic 360 videos, allowing for an unedited point of view of the group interviews. By incorporating traditional interviews and archives held over 30 years, the project was a collaboration with the Wagner Archives, The Queens Library, and the New York City Council. Upon its multi-year completion, the material was fashioned into a multi-modal installation in queens and served as an interactive multi-channel experience at Queens Pride.

Since 2010 I have helped produce dozens of personal stories in the Queens community through mentored student work, used my technical knowledge to receive multi-year NASA MSI grant funding to mentor students in Swarm Robotics and Lunabotics research, filed a patent for low-cost VR systems, advocated for the creation of blue-collar and high wage jobs training for low-income communities, designed installations for The National Memorial of Peace and Justice by using novel storytelling techniques incorporating AR and textiles, showcased multi-modal installations covering homelessness and brutalist public housing policies in Italy, proposed stories of the devastating colonialism of indigenous Georgians, co-published ways to fight African malaria in the IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Journal, contributed to books about unknown Italian public housing photographers, all while building a professional career in the academy.

Being a reflective practitioner has allowed me to return to my work over the past 20 years. It has helped contextualize my work, influence as a professor, and future artistic goals. Acknowledging the communities that shaped me as an Academic and a father gives me hope that I can give back what I can through compassionate practice and pedagogy that incorporates the causes of racial equality, LGBTQA+ rights, disenfranchisement, equity, workers’ rights, and the dignity that all deserve.

I hope the reflection above gives you a glimpse into my work and worldview. It’s one that I will always share with my students, no matter their background. Our experiences as storytellers should transcend our professional artifacts. Like many of you, I am a firm believer that the way to make our world a better one is to inspire and affect every generation that walks the hallowed halls of academia.

Resume

Education

2023
Georgia Institute of Technology

Ph.D Digital Media (ABD)

In progress. Dissertation will focus on Augmented Intermediate Layers, a new taxonomy of Augmented Reality embodiment and design.

2021
Georgia Institute of Technology

MS Digital Media

Thesis proposed a novel form of Augmented Reality for a textile installition on the grounds of The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Mobile Alabama. 

2011
Hunter College, CUNY

MFA Integrated Media Art

Practiced multimodal media and non-fiction narrative. Thesis explored land use politics and gentrification surrounding the closing of the Brooklyn Domino Sugar factory. 

2001
California State University, Sacramento

BA Media Communications

Concentration in non-studio, Documentary, television production. 

Employment

2019-Current
The Georgia Institute of Technology

Professor of Record

GTA Position teaching Constructing the Moving Image and Principles of the Moving Image

2015-2019
The City University of New York, York College Campus

Associate Professor

Tenure Track position in the Department of Performing and Fine Arts. Communications Technology Major Program Coordinator.

2011-2015
The City University of New York, York College Campus

Adjunct Associate Professor

Associate Professor in the Communications Technology Program. Department of Performing and Fine Arts

2007-2011
The City University of New York, York College Campus

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor in the Communications Technology Program. Department of Performing and Fine Arts

2006-2015
York College CUNY

Multimedia Production Specialist

Lead Developer for all multimedia content creation and program management for the college. Managed Television Studio and PFA Media Labs.

2003-2006
Royster Productions

Head of Production

Lead Editor/Producer/System Administrator for a variety of broadcast and non-broadcast productions.

Directed and produced all live broadcast events.

2005
Adore Shop Magazine

Photographer

Freelance Photographer for a (formerly) nationwide fashion magazine. Specialized in prints for sellers and in-magazine catalogue advertisements.

2001-2003
Peppers & Associates

Chief of Production

Lead Editor / Lead Videographer on two award-winning television shows airing on Sacramento’s local ABC affiliate, News10. Designed and maintained the IT infrastructure for Peppers & Associates. Also headed the creation of all motion graphics, print media, DVD authoring, and DVD offset art production.

Design Skills

Simulation [3D]

80%

Digital Fabrication

75%

Video Production

98%

Physical Media

72%

Lighting for 3D/Physical media

71%

Technology [HW]

90%

Documentary Production

99%

Teaching Topics

3D Model Design

95%

Processing

85%

Design Philosophies

45%

Documentary PRODUCTION

88%

ART OF EDITING

98%

3D Compositing

89%

Digital 2D

90%

3D Digital Fabrication

66%

TV Studio Production

92%

Knowledge

  • 3D Printing
  • CNC Manufacturing
  • Grant Writing
  • Academic Program Design
  • Middlestates / Higher Education accreditation processes
  • Admin and Academic cohesion
  • Social Networking
  • Sourdough Bread Making
  • Video production processes
  • Virtual Production
  • Print processes
  • Interdisciplinary Cooperation
  • Student Social Engagement
  • Video DJ
  • Multi Channel expieriences
  • CAD/CAM

Influences

Artist's Timeline

2023
Public Work in Anamorphosis

Prana

Reverb Hard Rock Hotel. Atlanta, Georgia. Commissioned Piece for Atlanta Arts and Entertainment. Curated by Birney Roberts  LINK

2022-2023
Public Work in Anamorphosis

Georgia Tech Media Bridge

The opportunity and demonstration of new work has opened the door for public art in Atlanta. LINK

2021-2023
Medium Creation through Technology

CTO, "The Big Screen" @ the Beltline

As the lead designer for the Beltline project for Cousins Properties, I was commissioned to design and install a flexible medium for artists to showcase their work in a public forum above Atlanta's Beltline. This will be the largest public canvas in North America when complete. Opens Summer of 2023

2019-Current
Ph.D Canidate in Digital Media

Ph.D Work @ The Georgia Institute of Technology

Working in the Augmented Environments Lab, my work has grown into developing novel applications of Augmented Reality for art and design.

2020-2022
Create-X

I2P Fellowship

This "Idea to Prototype" fellowship funded my work in the exploration of developing a commercial product out of my dissertation research into Augmented Intermediate Layers.

2019-2021
ORNL

Novel AR in Digital Fabrication

The seed grant that I received in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory allowed me to develop a new medium and explore how it could be further implemented in art, design, and data visualization. LINK

2019
Atlanta, GA

2019
360/VR Documentary

The Future American Retrospective

This (multiple) grant funded project no only built new technology for the 360 video capture process, but allowed access to hyper-local stories of the LGBTQ+ communities that influence NYC politics. LINK

2016
NASA Swarmathon Grant

Simulation and programming

This grant provided me with a team of Computer Science students at CUNY to collaborate on simulating swarm robotics for future NASA missions off-planet.

2015
NASA Robotics Grant

Robotics

My forary into robotics and autonomous programming. Grant funding provided by NASA to develop robotic mining concepts and applied science artifacts for the NASA Robotic Mining Competition (Lunabotics). 

2012
The Domino Effect

Documentary

Grant Funded & Crowd funded Documentary about urban rezoning and gentrification. What is lost as communities change? LINK

2006
New York, NY

2005
Royster Productions

Television Producer

Live television production and direction for various sporting events and informational series. 

2004
Los Angles, CA

2002
Pepeprs & Associates

Videographer / Editor

Non-fiction television production work in a variety of broadcast shows. 

Portfolio

The Reality of Experimental Reality Games: Georgia Game Developers Association

The Reality of Experimental Reality Games: Georgia Game Developers Association

Education, Mixed Reality, Presentations, Video
OFF THE WALL

OFF THE WALL

Design Artifacts, Featured, Installation
PRANA

PRANA

Emerging Technology, Featured, Installation, Mixed Reality
Presentation to the Digital Media Program at Georgia Tech, March 6th, 2023

Presentation to the Digital Media Program at Georgia Tech, March 6th, 2023

Education, Presentations, Video
Digital Pinball; A Design Intervention

Digital Pinball; A Design Intervention

Design Artifacts, Education, Featured, In-Progress, Mixed Reality
An Argument for Labor Training in Mixed Realities and Underserved Communities

An Argument for Labor Training in Mixed Realities and Underserved Communities

Education, Emerging Technology, Mixed Reality, Writing
Anamorphic Dualities

Anamorphic Dualities

Emerging Technology, Featured, Installation, Mixed Reality
Ethical Consideration of Machine System Control in AR research

Ethical Consideration of Machine System Control in AR research

Writing
A Meta-Literature Review on Augmented Reality

A Meta-Literature Review on Augmented Reality

Writing
Expertise and Democratization Reflections

Expertise and Democratization Reflections

Writing
Mixed Reality Rights and History

Mixed Reality Rights and History

Writing
Screens, A practical Approach in Digital Media

Screens, A practical Approach in Digital Media

Writing
The Future AmericanRetrospective (2019)

The Future AmericanRetrospective (2019)

Emerging Technology, Featured, Grant Funded, Video
Electrovironment

Electrovironment

Emerging Technology, Installation, Writing
The Bartender Box

The Bartender Box

Design Artifacts
Transcendence, AR Viewports in Architecture

Transcendence, AR Viewports in Architecture

Design Artifacts, Emerging Technology, Featured, Installation, Writing
Wonderglove, Physical Augmented Intermediate Layer

Wonderglove, Physical Augmented Intermediate Layer

Emerging Technology, Featured, Mixed Reality, Presentations, Video
AR Layers & Oak Ridge National Laboratory

AR Layers & Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Emerging Technology, Featured, Grant Funded, Mixed Reality, Presentations, Video
Affordable Housing Interactive Simulator

Affordable Housing Interactive Simulator

Design Artifacts
What is an Augmented Intermediate Layer, or AIL?

What is an Augmented Intermediate Layer, or AIL?

Design Artifacts, Emerging Technology, Featured, Writing
Dimensional Interpretation: 3DTechnologies vs. Popular Culture

Dimensional Interpretation: 3DTechnologies vs. Popular Culture

Emerging Technology, Mixed Reality, Writing
The Domino Effect (Documentary)

The Domino Effect (Documentary)

Featured, Grant Funded, Video
Sonic Graffiti: Hacking the SubconsciousThrough Aural Cues

Sonic Graffiti: Hacking the SubconsciousThrough Aural Cues

Culture Jamming
Salesman (2009)

Salesman (2009)

Culture Jamming, Video
Augmented Intermediate Layers Demo

Augmented Intermediate Layers Demo

Emerging Technology, Grant Funded, Mixed Reality, Video
Winter Abandon

Winter Abandon

Culture Jamming, Installation, Video
Peripheral Visions iPad Installation

Peripheral Visions iPad Installation

Emerging Technology, Featured, Installation
The iPhoneoscope, Patent Application

The iPhoneoscope, Patent Application

Design Artifacts, Emerging Technology, Featured, Mixed Reality, Video
XR Works, Idea Pitch CREATE-X

XR Works, Idea Pitch CREATE-X

Design Artifacts, Featured, Mixed Reality, Writing
Value Sensitive Design in Mixed Realities

Value Sensitive Design in Mixed Realities

Featured, Writing
Rapid Prototyping for NASA Competitions in Higher Education

Rapid Prototyping for NASA Competitions in Higher Education

Education, Emerging Technology, Grant Funded, Presentations
StartUpNY @ York College

StartUpNY @ York College

Video
Maker-Culture and You: How 3D Printing and Hands-On Learning Can Augment Traditional Pedagogy

Maker-Culture and You: How 3D Printing and Hands-On Learning Can Augment Traditional Pedagogy

Education, Presentations, Video
The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 3

The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 3

Video
The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 1

The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 1

Video
The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 2

The House of Pete & Travis, Episode 2

Video
Provost Lecture Series Fall 2011

Provost Lecture Series Fall 2011

Presentations, Video
NASA SEMAA Program; <em>Documentary</em>

NASA SEMAA Program; Documentary

Grant Funded, Video
Draft My Paper

Draft My Paper

Education, Grant Funded, Video
Because I Row…

Because I Row…

Featured, Video
Stereoscopic Video Rig

Stereoscopic Video Rig

Design Artifacts, Emerging Technology, Video
An Ode to the “Professional” Editor #FCPX

An Ode to the “Professional” Editor #FCPX

Education, Writing
York College CUNY, featuring Ed Koch

York College CUNY, featuring Ed Koch

Video
FIT 3D Live; 3D Live Simulcast

FIT 3D Live; 3D Live Simulcast

Design Artifacts, Featured, Mixed Reality
MedizDroids Project

MedizDroids Project

Emerging Technology, Featured, Grant Funded, Writing
“The Alley” A 3D Video Short

“The Alley” A 3D Video Short

Video
Auditory Artist

Auditory Artist

Video
Prospect Dreams

Prospect Dreams

Video

Contact

Atlanta

916-759-2020

danielphelps@mac.com

Freelance & Consulting Available

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