Hi Guys,

For one of my artworks, I was thinking of doing something that was focused on the interaction of an audience. I looked at the Macmod website and saw a guide into making your case as a blackboard and that interested me, so I decided to go through with it.

So what I did firstly was make up a design of what I would be expecting as my output and came up with this:



My choice of colour came because it is meant to be a "school computer" with a red apple and a black coloured blackboard, unfortunately, some people thought it looked "emo", but that wasn't the point. The main template that I used to make the mock-up was of a PowerMac G4 (the computer I initially wanted to use, however wasn't available).

Continuing on...

I went to Reverse Garbage to pick up a faulty PowerMac G3 B&W (for the great price of $FREE!). Here are some pictures of it before I started work on it:







Before I started anything, I did a few tests to see if it was working, either the video card or motherboard was shot, so I decided to go ahead with my plan

I took the computer to school and disassembled the computer, guttering it all (inside and out) leaving just the plan metal case bare.

Now, since I got the computer ready, and the design, now I need the materials.

I went to Bunnings (with my dad, since I'm under 18, of course) and purchased some spray paint:

• 2x Cans of White Knight "Black" Chalk Board Spray Paint
• Can of White Knight "Cherry Red" Quick Dry Gloss Enamel Spray Paint

I started to work by myself in getting the logos done, and I really wasn't experienced, so when I did, I made a mess of it as you can sort of see:













So I had to get my dad to help me with this. He told me to sand down the logos and other pieces of the case so they have a grip to the paint, also he taught me how to spray it properly.









After some more coats and finalising, it was ready to re-assemble at school, so I brought my painted materials and began the quick process of putting it back together.

And now, I present the final outcome of my project after a couple of months working on it:























Sorry about going camera happy with all the pictures, but hey, it's a diary of what I've been up to.

Hope you guys like it as much as I did.

It looks more evil than emo. Like HAL 9000.

What about a duster? Try turning the hockey puck mouse into a duster or something.

That looks pretty good, I like it

Do you have any larger images of the last two or three (the end result)?

Get some chalk and write on it!

The next art gallery the school has, i'll be having a box of chalk next to it.

I was focusing on the interactivity between the artwork and the audience.

That is the ugliest thing I've ever seen - you used matte paint?

You spent all that time and it is magnitudes more hideous than when it started

Edit: probably a bit harsh, but I dont like that the translucency is gone - makes it look like any other computer

That's excellent! Well done, looks really good

How many glossy blackboards have you come across?

Anyhoo - I think it looks cool

If you bothered to read it, then you would of noticed it was black chalkboard paint.

EDIT:
Was a bit too late. Thanks skibunny for that

When you're an artist, you'll know that you can't satisfy everybody's tastes.

I think it looks sweet, but one question, why didnt you leave the handle thingys clear like in your design picture?

Beau

Those handles (as on the design template) are not the ones seen on the G3 - since the G4 ones were clear and the G3 ones as seen in the photos are opaque.

Probably was a design decision to paint over them too since they're not like the ones on the G4s.

The only decent picture of the PowerMac I could get to make up my mock-up was of a PowerMac G4. I got a G3 and much rather kept the design consistent.

Yep, do you want me to send you the links?

Yeah, makes more sense - I just didn't see the point given that personally I think it looks worse than it started

But it is a cool project, I'll grant you that

Planning on putting a computer inside it?

I have one question, How does this interact with the audience? Other then visually?

The blackboard (case) creates this interaction by letting people write all over it and 'interact' with it. Even though it doesn't give any feedback.

That is what I think he's trying to do...

Hmm, i'm not sure, I would have to go searching for working PM G3 parts and I really don't have the time and money for that, but it is an option I will consider in the future.

Chalk + Chalk board paint on PM = Interaction

EDIT:
Thanks Huy for clarifying that.