Going CAVEing

Whoever says IU isn't the place where dreams can become reality is mistaken. Margaret Dolinsky's interactive media students can attest to this.\nThe School of Fine Arts recently held its Spring 2002 CAVE art exhibition where Dolinsky, University Information Technology Services research scientist and School of Fine Arts assistant professor, and her students showcased their class projects in 3-D graphic design.\nThe CAVE (CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment), located in Lindley Hall 101, is an eight-by-eight feet structure with walls similar to that of a movie screen on which images are displayed from four projectors. The students create a number of different geographical models and place them together to make their virtual worlds. One projector is mounted above the CAVE and the other three projectors' images are reflected by mylar mirrors onto the three screens. \nThose who wish to jump into the 3-D virtual worlds must stand between the walls and wear stereo goggles. These special specs filter the images seen on the screen by letting only one eye see the pictures at a time.\nIn order for viewers to "move" around the virtual worlds, one person holds a wand and wears a unique pair of goggles that are connected to the ceiling by a wire. This person has the privilege of taking the other CAVE occupants for an adventurous ride through the "dreams" of such students as junior Mathew Powers.\nPowers, a SOFA transfer student from the Art Institute of Chicago, has been drawing "creatures" for years. His many books, each containing 1,000 alien-like beings, are the spark to his most recent 3D world design entitled, "Glimpse of Paradox."\n"The goal is to make these worlds as realistic and interactive as possible," Powers said. "It's almost beautiful ... I see these images in my head and then I'm able to reach out and touch them. It's amazing."\nThe exhibit was open to the public and attracted artists, computer scientists, Bloomington and Indianapolis residents and students from different academic areas including SPEA and the School of Informatics.\nKaren Cline, a Bloomington resident, showed up for her 15-minute slot to roam around the world of Dolinsky's students. Cline was ecstatic over her first virtual reality experience.\n"It was absolutely unbelievable," Cline said. "Margaret has done a great job ... I would definitely come back. This experience was more than I ever thought it could be."\nDolinsky, 3-D Computer Graphics, Virtual Environments and Advanced Computer Art Seminar professor, said she came from the University of Illinois at Chicago's Electronic Visualization Laboratory where the CAVE was created. She worked as an artist in residence at the Walker Art Center and has even exhibited internationally in CAVE in places such as Tokyo, Japan and Linz, Austria.\nTo enroll in her classes, Dolinsky said prospective students should have some knowledge of e-mail, web authoring, design and art skills, computer packages, basic programming, good math skills and possible knowledge of Unix. \n"Visualization is an integral part of our lives -- we learn to see before we learn to speak ... the advent of digital technology and three-dimensional virtual reality provides new ways of negotiating information and experience," Dolinsky said.\nShe said the courses are primarily for fine arts majors who are "willing to struggle and concentrate their time in thinking and creating in three dimensions."\nMany of her students go on to work in web design for firms that need technical and creative skills. One of her past pupils is currently working with a company that is developing the sequels to "The Matrix" and another has done sound programs for a company with SONY.\nAmy Emerson, a senior majoring in graphic design, is one of Dolinsky's students who wishes to go into the Hollywood work force.\n"I want to work for Pixar and do things like Shrek and Monsters, Inc ... I've been interested in 3-D modeling and this is a way to showcase that," Emerson said.\nWhile some of Dolinsky's students have Hollywood dreams, the field they are entering can be rough on a recent grad.\n"The market is picking up but like any creative field, it is highly competitive," Dolinsky said. "Once the reorganization settles, 3-D will be an important component to every field's needs for visualization. For instance, the medical profession is using virtual reality to teach the components of the inner ear and using virtual reality in helping to alleviate phobias."\nFor Powers, his three years of CAVE experience have definitely paid off.\n"I have a better understanding for computers and a deeper aggravation and respect for technology," he said. "(These classes) have given me more incentive to do my art ... it makes dreams reality, it makes your thoughts reality ... whatever you think of, you can make in the CAVE"