I like to explore the intersection of art and high technology in a context of familial history and 'retrofuture' influences. By using LEDs and microcontrollers, combined with custom electronics and traditional materials like wood, acrylic, and drawings, I've found a medium in which to express my profound interest in the resolution of perception. To what level does the viewer perceive an artwork that constantly changes? How does Hue-shift affect how we feel about an object? How do environmental conditions affect perception? These are all questions I ask myself as I imbue my devices with a technological bent.

The pursuit of creative interests has always led me toward incredibly unique oportunities: intern at NASA/AMES, assistant to several artists including Jim Campbell, Test Engineer at Tesla Motors, Materials Research at UC Davis, and production art for software and game companies. Never satisfied with a clear path, I am constantly advancing toward my ultimate creative goals within the vein of engineering.

Technical Project Manager
White Light Inc. (for Jim Campbell) 2007 – Present
Design and fabricate electromechanical prototypes
Supervise assembly of large electronic assemblies
Source materials, manage subcontractors
Manage and supervise worldwide installations of custom electronics

Test Engineer (contract)
Tesla Motors, 2007
Design and fabricate test apparatus for vehicle components
Modify mechanical drafts for inclusion release documents

Senior Engineer
Design Visionaries October 2006 - 2007
3D CAD design, Unigraphics NX4, SolidWorks.
Detailed engineering drawings, NX4, SolidWorks.
Acquire components and manage vendor accounts.
Fabricate prototype components and test fixtures

Technical Assistant
Mech. & Aero. Engineering Dept., UC Davis, Material Performance Laboratory June 2005 – June 2006
Sodick Wire EDM operation for precise machining
Design and manufacture of precision testing fixtures
Metallographic evaluation
Data collection and analysis
Summary of results in both written and oral presentations
Use of CAD and CAM

NASA/AMES internship graduate
NASA April 2002 – August 2003
Assistance to a lead project scheduler in the creation, modification and upkeep of vital NASA Biological Research Project scheduling documents
Creation of an extensive report on project scheduling tools
Support for a lead program controls officer in the creation, modification and upkeep of vital financial   document spreadsheets and reports

Artist
nFX Interactive September 1995-1997; August 1998-1999
Creation of complex cartoon faces, via specialized vector graphic technology.
Responsible for testing software and submitting bug reports

Artist
Dynamix inc.August 1997-August 1998
Creation and editing of textures and landscape in a complex 3D terrain

Web Contracts
Shockwave.com  HTML engineer (contract) July 2000
Creation of all pertinent title and text imagery and corresponding HTML code.
Guru.com HTML Guru (contract) February 2000 - July 2000. Generation cross-browser and cross-platform HTML pages

I've been performing electronic music for 11 years under the name Komega.

I have also performed under the nomer: particle accelerator

I have familiarity with most currently available software sequencing and audio editing suites, detailed knowledge of electronic music sequencing, production, and post-production. I developed a custom MIDI controller for use in electronic music live performance (kromatron) and have built several synthesizers, and audio and music controlled sculpture.

I helped to found and operate LoveTechSF, a monthly music event showcasing live electronic musicianship and music technology. For two years I was cohost and DJ on a weekly internet radio program: the bassmasons.

University of California at Davis
BS in Mechanical Engineering June 2006
Focus in mechanical design with emphasis in automation and control theory.
Extracurricular participation in Challenge X (Hybrid Vehicle Project 2005)
Lab Technician: Materials Performance

Foothill College 
Associate’s in Science in Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics June 2004
Completed NASA internship in Project Management and Program Controls

Cogswell Polytechnical
Certified in Music Technology August 1995-1997

Madison Square Park, NYC June 2010 – Feb 2011 (~$250,000)
Under the direction of Jim Campbell, developed an array of 1700 customized light bulbs. Saved over a million Watt-Hours by converting regular incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs.
• Over 1700 individually-addressable pixel-bulbs formed an abstract video display.
• 30,000 solder joints and over 6 miles of wire.
• Reengineered the common Edison bulb.
-- In other words, we took apart standard light bulbs and replaced the glass stem and filament with our own PCB and LEDs.
• Over 100 unique components.
• Supervised team of 12 people and heavy equipment for two weeks on-site.
• 3 simultaneous large-scale projects.
• Extensive Design and Prototyping phase.

http://craigdorety.com/lbl1.html

Lights on Market St, San Francisco, Nov 2010 – July 2011 (~$100,000)
Rapid 1-month turnaround on a custom large-scale LED array for display as part of an SF Art Commission project to re-enliven a few blocks of Market St.
• Over 4000 individually-addressable LEDs form a custom gray-scale video wall inside two large windows at 1119 Market St.
• Over 40,000 solder joints.
• Design of Precision custom Jigs and Process Engineering.

San Diego Airport, Currently in development (~$2,200,000)
Long term project to be completed 2013. Approximately 40,000 LEDs will illuminate the new terminal at the San Diego Airport with moving imagery.

Extensive personal project experience
I’ve spent countless hours creating and fabricating a variety of devices including midi controllers, synthesizers, light sculptures and various visual arts pieces. Please take a look at http://craigdorety.com . There you will find pictures, videos, and information about my projects.