If you’ve hung out at Makespace, you’ve probably met Dennis, the creative whirlwind who’s always building, fixing, modifying, or dreaming up something cool. As he celebrates one year as our Operations Assistant, he’s become a big part of what makes Yukonstruct feel so welcoming and inspiring. From video art to vintage electronics, and from sculptures to stylish clothing alterations, Dennis brings a curiosity that spreads to everyone around him.
He’s the kind of maker who reminds you that creating is supposed to be fun. Read the rest of his story below!
What do you like to make?
A little bit of everything. I’m a live video performance artist who utilizes video synthesis/sampling, analog feedback loops, and sound reactivity, primarily in the Yukon electronic dance music scene. I also play around with sculpting sounds via audio synthesis, hand sewing clothing alterations, building and painting sculptures out of scraps and broken electronics, modifying electronics, and absurdist storytelling.
What do you want to build at Yukonstruct?
Simply put: A lot. The makespace has been a wonderful playground of creativity to engage with, and I am consistently gaining new ideas of what I want to make next: Decorative stands for my video gear, Circuit bending devices to produce wild results, retrofitting an old arcade cabinet to become a Video-Art Arcade, transportation boxes for my performance screens, customized clothing made with prints of my own art, and the list goes on. However, I love building friendships, connections, and opportunities to contribute to an environment where people are inspired, playful, and supported in their exploration of creativity.
Mostly, I want to build my curiosity and community. I’m really excited to see what everyone creates here at Yukonstruct, and how I can help them bring those inner ideas into form.
What advice do you have for other makers in the Yukon?
To paraphrase Alan Watts: “One does not dance to reach a specific place on the floor, it is the act of dancing itself which is the point.” Remember that the act of creation itself is an enjoyable, explorative, and enriching experience, regardless of the final product, and that everyone has the ability to create!
What inspires you to make things?
I can’t help but make things, it’s in my nature. To experiment, question, and explore the self through creativity. I have a curiosity about the world and how things work, and curiosity of what grows in the mind and how to bring ideas into reality. I have a strong desire to create environments that are enjoyable to exist in, and am keen to gain new perspectives through creation. Lately, with the positive responses to my live video performances, I’ve gained inspiration to bewilder and excite my friends and community, to involve them in my art, and to give back to a scene that has provided me so many positive experiences and friendships over the years.
What are you working on now?
I’ve completed quite a few projects this year, but I have largely been working on enhancing and growing a theremin-based interactive art installation which allows several participants to engage in creating live video / audio content together.
My focus has been on growing and refining my video art for the dance scene these last few months, as I really enjoy working with a medium that’s about cooperatively fusing sound and sight to create awesome and immersive multisensory experiences, and creating a dance floor that is more exciting and and interactive to be in. I’ve also been working on modifying a cassette mixer, and getting designs ready for fabric prints, as I have many clothing ideas for the new year!
When you aren’t making things, what other interests take up your time?
I am often doing research into tools or methods for future creations. If I’m not doing that, chances are I am consuming art via music, movies, podcasts, or videogames… that is, if I am not dancing with friends and having a silly time. I’m almost always creating, learning how to create something, or sourcing components and materials for new projects. I always have projects on the go, more than I have time for!