Walker Tufts makes games and sculptures that examine human and more-than-human relationships, especially as they relate to dirt and land. Walker’s work explores the messy borders between science and storytelling and playfully situates human players in relation to others.

Walker’s work has been shown internationally including: MassMoCA, Den Frie Udstillingsbygning, VEGA Arts, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and Flux Factory. Walker has created commissioned works in Wales, Denmark, Germany, Russia and the United States. Walker received his BS in Art from James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA, US) and an MFA at University at Buffalo. More at kosmologym.com, walkertufts.com, and dirtytime.us

I had originally thought I would work on a fully digital sequence using 3D modeling to create a version of my face based on previously filmed infrared footage and developing a landscape for bacteria. However, I’m not particularly skilled with 3D modeling and Myles suggested exploring more analog approaches. This led to the idea of encrusting my face with rhinestones based on the infrared footage. Rhinestones are also similar in form to the way we often imagine bacterial colonies, at least as seen on petri dishes. The masks were an interesting aside that I thought might work for the footage but I haven’t figured out how. However, the digital collage created with the various footage shot here will likely be the inspiration for the final footage.

Faceplate Study: Bacterial Bride, Dye-Sublimation Work Sample.

Walker being photographed for use across video and print based work.

Walker applying rhinestones as a face mask.

Untitled Work-in-Progress, Work Sample.