Flashforward Interview: Gabe Kean
Today’s interview is with Gabe Kean, principal of Gabe Kean Design, whom many of us first got to know through his work at Born Magazine. Gabe will be presenting Flash® on Display at Flashforward2006 Seattle. Some of his interactive environment work will be viewable in Seattle during Flashforward; read on for details and make time to see it…
Flashforward: Can you introduce yourself briefly?
GK: My name is Gabe Kean — a/v exhibit designer in Seattle. Most of my work is for museums or other clients who are interested in interactive environments — telling stories with audio/visual media.
FF: Tell us a bit about your session, and why people will want to attend.
GK: My session will focus on how I’ve translated my experience with Flash projects on the Web to using interactivity and storytelling in exhibit environments. I’ll also spend some time discussing my approach to these kinds of projects, and how collaboration is the key to successful outcomes.
FF: What projects do you have in the pipeline?
GK: Currently, I’m working on new exhibits about microcomputers for an Albuquerque museum, helping with Seattle’s new Wing Luke Museum (Asian culture, history and art, opens 2007), and also co-curating a small show at Richard Hugo House for our non-profit Born Magazine.
The Hugo House show (1634 11th Ave, Seattle, WA) opens February 3rd, and will be open to the public during Flashforward. We’re also having a reading/collaboration event on March 2nd there (7pm-9pm), led by celebrated poet Marvin Bell. All Flashforward attendees are welcome to come see the exhibit, and stay for the talk.
While in Seattle, attendees might also enjoy visiting Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. (8414 Greenwood Ave North. Seattle): a fun retail environment that helps to support 826 Seattle (creative writing and tutoring center for kids.*) I worked closely with artists Web Crowell and Seb Chevrel to pull together the many videos displays, peepholes, and projections.
FF: What inspires you these days?
GK: I’m inspired by architecture and history.
FF: Care to share what excites you about Flashforward or the Film Festival?
GK: It’s really a great opportunity to share work with each other. It always gets everyone excited to keep pushing themselves to take their work further.
FF: Any parting words to encourage people to attend your session and/ or the conference?
GK: If you are interested in learning how interactive art, design, and exhibits can intersect, this session is for you.
* FF: Readers might be interested to note that 826 Seattle is affiliated with 826 Valencia in San Francisco — AKA Dave Eggers’ Pirate Supply Store. This was a routine stop of ours when attending Flashforward SF events so it’s a nice surprise to find out about the Seattle equivalent!
