hey! it’s still Black History Month! if you don’t know about Black Girls CODE, you should, and their #FutureTechBoss series is a great introduction.
For the past seven years, Black Girls CODE has empowered girls of color all across the country to become the future leaders, innovators, and creators in the technology ecosystem. This Black History Month, we are excited to give some of our Tech Divas an opportunity to share their stories with the world; to shine a light on their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future via our #FUTURETECHBOSS campaign.
resource roundup!
this article covers some good practices for creating canvas-based web components, complete with a codepen illustrating the described methods. worth a look if you’re playing with canvas and want to maintain simplicity!
if you’re in the mood to do some tinkering in Firefox, this tutorial plays with the CSS element() function to create a minimap navigator. it’s a pity it’s only supported in Firefox because it seems like a great way to improve the UX of a site with a ton of text to scroll.
if you’re looking for an accessible introduction to tree shaking (a method of optimizing code bundles), this is it. I like that this tutorial gives a bit more context than most in terms of the history of the technique in relation to Javascript.
here’s a cute project: artist Addie Wagenknecht is releasing a series of videos where she pairs a demo of a beauty product with advice on online safety. password protecting your devices is as important for your security as a daily moisturizer with SPF is for your skin!
have you ever thought, I wish I could draw a pixelated image with CSS box-shadow? well, guess what, you can. maybe this is a great way to go to town on a digitally cross-stitched heart for your Valentine?
opportunities!
Pioneer Works is accepting applications for their 2019-2020 Technology Residency. this is a 12 week residency that supports creatives through access to advanced tools, practiced engineers, and connection to a larger multidisciplinary community. the deadline is February 15 so get cracking!’
applications for The Strange’s Decelerator are also due on February 15! this is a new retreat/residency hybrid offering “creative internet people” the chance to focus on their work from a beautiful Catskills location. “We expect Decelerator residents to work on strategic planning, project-related research, and other work that will help you slow down and make progress towards your overall creative vision.” this is a legit free residency that sounds like a great low-pressure opportunity to recenter your work. apply here!
so, this is more tech industry than creative tech, but Leap has spun off into Elpha, a network for women in technology. it’s pretty business-focused, but people are pretty good about sharing resources and advice. if you’re a female-identified or non-binary person working in the industry in any capacity, feel free to use this invite link to join! there are subgroups for students, engineers, Black women, biotech, managers, designers, etc., etc.
? upcoming events!
¡Miercoles 13 Febrero! ¡Cultura Colectiva! CDMX México: ¡ya llego la nueva edición de Eventloop la primera del año! Eventloop es una comunidad de Javascript en CDMX, con un evento casi cada mes. sus pláticas normalmente son una mezcla de consejo practico, charlas técnicas, y presentaciónes creativas. RSVP en Meetup.
also Wednesday February 13! Whitney Museum of American Art! NYC USA: artists Jonah Brucker-Cohen, Katherine Moriwaki, and Tamiko Thiel along with media historian and theorist Erkki Huhtamo will explore the evolution of virtual and algorithmic practices in a panel discussion in conjunction with Programmed: Rules, Codes, and Choreographies in Art (which you should also check out if you are in the area!!!). the event is free with RSVP.
February 13-16! NYC USA: the New Media Caucus is at CAA 2019 this week with presentations on reframing innovation, data-oriented art practices, digital activism and more! some of the panels look pretty great, so check it out if you can. the full schedule is available on the NMC website.
now thru March 2019! And/Or Gallery! Pasadena, CA USA: And/Or’s current exhibition, Video Game Art 1970-2005, has been extended until March 2019. it includes work by Cory Arcangel, Myfanwy Ashmore, John Horton Conway, JODI, Joan Leandre, David Maynard, Penne and Teller, and Michael Smith as well as rare games on loan from the Supercade collection. looks worth checking out if you’re in the area!
just for lulz!
even if you don’t have an IRL Valentine, there’s always the internet
*~housekeeping~*
as always, submit to the open artist call if you have anything in the works that you are excited about! and if you have an event or opportunity to promote (anywhere), please send me all the details. the next newsletter will cover the week of February 18 to 24, but I’m happy to promote events further in the future as well and keep them on the calendar.
I will also be offline from Feb 13 – 18, so if you have anything to promote next week, send it in before the 12th!
