The beginning of making art for free

An old patent for the Phunifone, now available for free to make and use

For the past five years I have been making interactive sound installations, robotic sculptures, and computer music pieces.  Although I have found my passion in making art and music, sometimes the cost for the technology and materials can be prohibitive.  Whether it is buying a computer, hardware, or updating software, I seem to be spending more money on my artwork than I even make in one month with multiple jobs.  This is a problem.  The only way that I can see to solve this problem is to try to make all of my artwork for free.  Although this may seem impossible or impractical, I think that if I take the right steps that I can at the least reduce my costs and make my art for less or for free.

My plan begins with three steps.  Instead of using software developed for sale, start learning and using free or open source software such as Pure Data (Max/MSP's counterpart) and Processing.  Secondly, use hardware that is supported by a community of users and not a corporation.  Lastly, try to trade, barter, or find free materials to use for my projects.  

I have become increasingly frustrated by corporations who sell you a product that you assume will be up to date for at least a year or two, then six months later a newer, better version is released that you will eventually  have to pay for because your version is now out of date.  Also by supporting open, community based software and hardware, I hope to be able to develop and share ideas and programs with my fellow artists for free.

I want to be creative, but not for an excessive monetary cost.  That is why I am going to be freeative and share my adventures with you.  Share your freeative work as well with me and I'll post it.  Talk to you again soon.