DorkbotPDX people doing strange things with electricity

I pretty much live on my laptop and get by writing software for systems management applications, but I dream of turning my technical talent to artistic pursuits. Maybe that's why I founded DorkbotPDX. I'm hoping being around others who are doing the types of crazy things I always dream up will push me to actually implementing more of it.

I maintain a somewhat low level of random output at Opposable Thumbs.

My skills are primarily in the software area with lots of coding experience in Java, Perl and Javascript, but with doses of Ruby, C and little bits of others here and there. I've done sysadmin type work on and off as a sideline to my primary job. I'm hoping to start doing more media related software in the not too distant future.

I've also been a musician for about 18 years and play guitar, bass guitar, a little bit of mandolin and will attempt to play pretty much anything else you put in front of me. I don't play regularly much anymore, but I hope to find the time to get a home study setup soon and record some things. My musical inspiration primarily comes from Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Devo, Godflesh, Fugazi... damn the list just gets too long if I really try to think about it. Really though, I'm interested in building instruments and modifying instruments to make them more, well... interesting, I guess. I'm hoping to get an electric mandolin soon and see what I can do with that. Maybe a banjo, too. Don't even get me started about the electric string organ I hope to build.

I'm hoping to do more hardware work (microcontrollers look like a wide open area for fun) and would really love to get into installations and kinetic sculpture.

I'm supported by my amazing wife and the cutest dogs you'll ever meet.