See Also: • About • Artist Statement • Biography • CV • Research • Teaching Philosophy
Robert Daniel Flowers, PhD
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Humanities – Aesthetic Studies (emphasis: Art and Technology). University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas (August, 2010).
M.F.A. in Filmmaking, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, California (1992)
B.F.A. in Art, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, (1988)
DISSERTATION ABSTRACT
Experimental Cinema in the Age of Binary Data: The Digital Alternative to the Celluloid Image:
This dissertation establishes the experimental filmmaker’s current and future position in a digital environment that continues to grow exponentially. It examines the digital video medium and its encroachment into the terrain of celluloid based cinema. The project questions the validity of experimental filmmakers’ continuing use of traditional technology and explores modern alternatives to the avant-garde’s established and stagnating methods of content creation, manipulation, delivery, and presentation. Perhaps the most important and controversial of these alternatives to be addressed is DVD video and its repercussions. Experimental cinema is advancing using the most cost effective, and efficient means to express that tradition, whether it is celluloid, digital video, digital cinema, or some obscure format. There is no doubt that digital technology is encompassing all forms of image capture, as did the photochemical medium more than a century before. Just as that ushered in a new avant-garde, so too will today’s electronic and computer-based cinema. This new toolset will arguably modify traditional aesthetics in countless and unforeseeable ways, despite its current infancy. Building on a rich history of innovation, yet remaining in obscurity, experimental cinema can now through media such as the DVD, streaming video, and Blu-ray, evangelize as never before. At this point in time, the available options presented by digital video are so vast that one can almost be consumed by the technology. Despite the overwhelming breadth of the medium, the advantages and territory it exposes far outweigh any reasonable dissent. For experimental cinema the digital video revolution is its saving grace, unencumbered by celluloid’s slow demise and third party relationships, makers are finally un-tethered.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Stipend, Victory Media Network (2006)
President’s and Dean’s Honor Roll, University of Oklahoma (1990 – 86)
Ben Y. Barnett Art Scholarship, University of Oklahoma (1989 – 88)
Gold Award for Most Outstanding Senior, University of Oklahoma (1988)
Graduated with Special Distinction, University of Oklahoma (1988)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Substitute Teacher – Lee County School System (2015)
Adjunct Instructor – Florida State University (Spring 2013)
Lecturer – Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design, Ohio State University (W. QTR 2012)
Adjunct Instructor – Richland College, Dallas, Texas (Jan. 2004 – Aug. 2011)
Multimedia Lab Instructor – Richland College, Dallas, Tex (Aug. 2006 – Aug. 2011)
Adjunct Instructor – Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX (Spring 2007)
Teaching Assistant – San Francisco Art Institute (Fall 1991 – Spring 1992)
Film/Video Equipment/Studio Instructor – San Francisco Art Institute (Fall 1990 – Spring 1992)
CLASSES TAUGHT
Video Art – (Florida State University)
Interdisciplinary Research Seminar in Computer Technology in the Arts – (Ohio State University)
Introduction to Digital Video – (Richland College)
Advanced Digital Video – (Richland College)
Special Topics: Video Demo Reel – (Richland College)
Film production I – (Southern Methodist University)
Video Yearbook I – (Richland Collegiate High School)
Video Yearbook II – (Richland Collegiate High School)
PUBLICATIONS
Dissertation Abstract: Leonardo Electronic Almanac (LEA) / Leonardo Abstract Services (LABS), 2011
GUEST ARTIST/LECTURER
Georgia Southwestern University – The Digital Environment (October 2012)
University of Texas at Dallas, TX – Class: Glitch: from Analog to Digital (2010)
Bergen County Community College, NJ – Class: History of Animation (2006)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Test Procter – Darton State College (Dec. 2014 – July, 2016)
We Are One – ASU Campus Suicide Prevention Grant – Albany State University (2104 – Present)
Media Consultant – HBCU CFE Mini-Grant – Albany State University (Oct. 2014 – May 2015)
Freelance Multimedia and IT Specialist – (Dallas, TX Leesburg, GA) (2003 – Present)
(Video editing and compositing, graphic design, computer repair, consulting, and troubleshooter)
Media Consultant – HBCU CFE Mini-Grant – Albany State University (Present)
Technology Designer – Museum Arts (Dallas, TX) (April 2000 – July 2003)
(Graphic, web and exhibit design, photography, video editing/animation, technical research, IT).
Senior Camera Service Technician – Oppenheimer Camera (Portland, OR) (Nov. 1998 – Oct. 1999)
(Maintained and repaired cameras, lenses, and IT).
Camera Service Technician – CineRent West (San Francisco, CA) (June 1998 – Nov. 1998)
(Maintained and repaired cameras, lenses and Macintosh computers).
Camera Service Technician – Panavision and Victor Duncan (Dallas, TX) (Maintained and repaired cameras,
lenses and Macintosh computers). (Nov. 1995 – June 1998).
Camera Preparation Technician – Ultravision (Hollywood, CA) (Feb. 1994 – June 1995)
(prepared cameras, lenses and support equipment for rental).
Freelance Photographer – Richard Mullins Design (Dallas, TX) (May 1993 – Jan. 1995)
MEMBERSHIP
Canyon Cinema Cooperative, San Francisco CA. Member since 1992
College Art Association. Member since 2007
COLLECTIONS
Aurora Video Library, www.aurorapictureshow.org
Film Collection of Martin Rumsby, www.rumsby.net/martin
SOFTWARE
Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Encore, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sound Forge. Windows OS and Mac OS (All versions). Additionally I have a familiarity with Maya, Flash, Audition, AVID, Final Cut Pro, and InDesign
EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMMED
2010 Reflexivity Hum – Mighty Fine Arts Gallery, Dallas TX (co- curated)
2008 Digital Kinesis 01 – An evening of digital video with Gregg Biermann
2006 Rhythmic Patterns – Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas TX
1992 M.F.A Graduate Film Screening – San Francisco Art Institute
GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
2014 – 15 Laboratory – Zuckerman Museum of Art at Kennesaw State University
2013 Proto-Cinematic Investigations – Bergen Gallery, Paramus NJ
2012 Dynamism of a Figure – James Earl Carter Library Gallery, Americus GA (Solo)
2011 Glitch ”Metroplex Video” – Centraltrak Gallery, Dallas TX
2010 Aurora – Cedars Open Studios – Dallas Heritage Village, Dallas TX
2010 35mm @ Richland College Faculty Exhibit – Brazos Gallery Richland College, Dallas TX
2010 35mm @ The End of Commerce – Ro2Art/ McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Dallas TX
2010 35mm @ Atrium Gallery, Brookhaven College, Dallas TX, (Solo)
2010 Twenty Plus Version 2 – the McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Dallas TX
2010 Reflexivity Hum – Mighty Fine Arts Gallery, Dallas TX
2010 35mm @ Flickerlounge – DiverseWorks (with Aurora Picture Show), Houston TX, (Solo)
2009 35mm @ Centraltrak Gallery, Dallas TX, (Solo)
2009 Open Sequences ~ Infinite Data – McKinney Avenue Contemporary, Dallas TX
2008 Digital Divide – Art Space 111, Ft. Worth TX
2008 On Game – Visual Arts Gallery at the University of Texas at Dallas
2008 ech_o – Centraltrak Gallery, Dallas TX
2006 inter-play – Visual Arts Gallery at the University of Texas at Dallas
2006 Faculty Biennial Exhibition – Brazos Gallery Richland College, Dallas TX
2006 inter-play – Guanajuato Mexico
2006 Patternage – The Continental Gallery, Dallas TX
2006 Driver – Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas TX
2005 Moving Pictures – The Dallas Center for Contemporary Art
2005 Space Invaders – Eugene Binder Gallery, Marfa TX
2005 Space Invaders – Visual Arts Gallery at the University of Texas at Dallas
2004 Richland College Faculty Exhibit – Brazos Gallery Richland College, Dallas TX
FILM FESTIVALS AND SCREENINGS
2008 Austin Underground Film Festival (Psych Nite)
2007 – Pres. Victory Arts Plaza – Dallas
2007 The 15th Annual Richland College Computer Arts Festival
2006 Millennium Film Workshop, NYC (Nov.) (Solo)
2006 ATEC Showcase, University of Texas at Dallas
2004 – 07 Onion City Experimental Film and Video Festival, Chicago
2006 Rhythmic Patterns – Bath House Cultural Center, Dallas TX
1998 Camel Private Screenings: Apocalyptic Visions – Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia
1998 Light and Time, Chopin Theater – Chicago Filmmakers
1998 Robert Beck Memorial Cinema, NYC
1997 X-Films at Lunar Cabaret, Chicago (solo)
1993, 94, 96 Anthology Film Archive, NYC
1996 X-Film at Massachusetts College of Art Film Society in Boston, University of Buffalo,
University of Binghamton, University of Chicago, Union Cinema in Milwaukee,
Orgone Cinema in Pittsburgh
1995 International Cinema Museum, Chicago
1995 Vancouver Cinematheque
1994 Chicago Filmmakers
1993 Lubbock or Leave It Art Gallery, Austin, Texas
1993 San Francisco Cinematheque: Last Generation Filmmakers
1992 M.F.A. Graduate Film Screening, San Francisco Art Institute
1992 No Nothing Cinema, San Francisco
1990 Kent State Experimental Film Festival
1989 – 90 Ann Arbor Experimental Film Festival
1989 Athens International Film Festival
1989 Humboldt International Film Festival
1986 – 90 University of Oklahoma Film Festival
FEATURE LENGTH SCREENPLAYS
Pres. Umbra, (Science Fiction, In-Progress)
2016 The Pyramid Room, (Science Fiction, 90 pages, un-produced)
2015 Five – Hundred, (Horror, Crime, 100 pages, un-produced)
FILM/VIDEOGRAPHY (partial listing)
Pres. Umbra, (Feature Length Sci Fi, Pre-Production)
Pres. Bullets or Gum, (In Progress, HD)
2014. Dynamism of a Figure No. 2, (Infinite loop video triptych, animated, HD,16×9, stereo, 3-Blu-ray discs)
2012 Dynamism of a Figure, (Infinite loop video triptych, animated, HD,16×9, stereo, 3-Blu-ray discs)
2009 Disjecta Membra, 9.5 min. 35mm film and digital video, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2009 Soft Film Poem, (3.5 min. 35mm film and digital video, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2009 X-rated, (3.5 min. 35mm film and digital video, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2009 I AM A STAR, (3 min, 35mm film and digital video, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2008 Canned Meat, (13 min, 35mm film and digital video, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2007 The Lucifer Project, (45 min, animated, 16×9, 5.1 Dolby Digital, DVD).
2007 Stereoscopic Experiment for Audience No. 2, (9.5 min, animated, 16×9, 5.1 Dolby, DVD)
2007 Alien Life Study No. 1, (Infinite loop, animated, 16×9, silent, DVD).
2006 6 videos for Octa-Screen Display, (12min. animated, stereo, High Definition Video).
2006 Unidentified Foreign Objects (U.F.O.s), (6.5 min, animated, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2006 Stereoscopic Experiment for Audience No. 1, (8 min, anaglyphic 3D, animated, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2006 GridCode, (2 min, animated, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2005 Light-Bearer, (9.5 min, animated, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2005 SkyClimber, (9.5 min, live-action, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2004 90th Birthday, (Infinite random play, live-action, 16×9, stereo, DVD).
2003 110303, (18 min, animated, 16×9, 5.1 Dolby Digital, DVD).
2001 Circle and Line Study, (12 min, animated, 16×9, 5.1 Dolby Digital, DVD).
1998 Luna, feature-length film (In-Progress)
1996 Buy It Now, (unfinished (missing), stereo, digital video – S-VHS).
1993 Warheads, (15 min, live-action, mono, 16mm film).
1991 Are There Fairies Dancing On The Lawn? And If There Are, Can I Catch Them In A Net? (25 min, live-action, mono, 16mm film).
1989 Adam Went On To Till The Soil…But What Ever Happened To Eve? (11 min, live-action, mono, 16mm film).
1988 The Garden of Eden, (11 min, live-action, mono, 16mm film).
1988 Gas Heat, (8 continuous hours in “real-time”, live-action, mono, VHS).
1987 TV, (3 min, animated, mono, 16mm film).
1986 Psychedelic Impressions, (3 min, animated, mono, 16mm film).
1985 Hand-A-Mation, (2.5 min, animated, mono, Super-8mm film).