About The Project
Statement
We Ping Good Things To Life is an ever evolving and expanding interactive networked installation that brings together elements of Toy Theater, Vaudeville performance, Surrealism, and consumer culture. Users can activate dozens of found and appropriated objects to create a unique performance, alone or with others, via the live streaming video feed.
"Act 5: The 5th Greatest Show On Earth" explores circus and sideshow themes. Our dog Lulu played a role in "Act 4: Some people would give their right arm for the priviledge." when she chewed off the arm of our Dr. Frank-N-Furter action figure. This act is dedicated to Lulu. It comments on the sacrifices people make to participate in show business. "Act 3: America's Favorite!" is an examination of masculinity and the influence of American popular media.
New acts exploring assemblage, puppetry, and animatronics through themes of cabaret and the circus sideshow will be introduced every three weeks through June 4, 2012. The dates for additional new acts are: March 12, April 2, April 24, and May 14. The project will be archived through a series of video highlights of the many performances.
We Ping Good Things To Life is a 2011 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc. for its Turbulence website. It was made possible with funding from the Jerome Foundation.
Biography
This reclusive couple has been producing art together since the mid-2000s. Their exact origins, an "ever evolving tale of half-lies and outright contradictions," can only be guessed at. Some have suggested that Ephraim & Sadie Hatfield have forged their identities in order to remain anonymous. To this they say, "Balderdash! If we wanted to live in obscurity do you think we'd have a website?" For additional information about the Hatfields see their website or contact them at hatfield.es@gmail.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.
Technical Information
This project makes use of Arduino, jQuery Mobile, jQuery Mobile Carousel, JW Player, Node.js, Socket.IO, and Wowza Streaming Server. It is best experienced on a desktop computer with a WebKit based browser such as Apple Safari or Google Chrome.
Acknowledgements
The artists would like to thank John Duane, Jo-Anne Green, Caleb & Jed Hall, Tom Igoe, Jarvis Rockwell, Danny Rozin, The Seven Family, and Helen Thorington.
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