Artist Tinkerer Thinkerer

I am a creative practitioner who lives and works in Hobart, Tasmania, my work encompasses art, science, philosophy, explored through tinkering with technology.   

You can find examples of my work on this website; digital prints, mechanical drawings, art machines (drawing, writing, sound), immersive installations, experimental videos and animations along with some explanation of the tinkering processes that led to them.

In my youth I had an interest in computers, science fiction, maths and physics, and after graduating worked for CSIRO as an oceanographic numerical modeller.  In my spare time I explored my interests in the philosophy of science and hung out with mainly artists.  Later at CSIRO I became interested in the relationship between people and computers, this and the philosophy of science led me to an interest in the visual arts as a way of knowing the world.
After starting a degree in fine arts, I changed careers and spent the next 25 years at the Tasmanian School of Art, teaching people how to be creative with digital technology.  I became interested in how the formalism of computer code could coexist with the ambiguity of human expression, i.e. can humans be truly creative through software, and what does digital technology reveal about our humanity.  This led to an interest in language, cognition and creativity.

I understand through making, and what I treasure most about my career is the opportunities it has given me to explore and develop skills in making with technology, from using software applications, to writing software, making electronics and physical making through 3D printing, CNC machining etc.  But most of all I have enjoyed working with people from all walks of life as they learn to express their ideas and understandings through technology.

I am available for a wide range of activities, including:

• Facilitating "out of the box" thinking workshops for creative and critical ideation.
• Workshops on creative engagement with technology through tinkering.
• Advice on technological systems that engage with people.
• Prototyping software / systems / devices with software, electronics and fabrication technologies.
• Maintenance and refurbishment of legacy computer systems for art production or display.
• Commissions for technological artworks.

This website contains examples of my work and ideas.  You can contact me at:

dr dot bill dot hart at icloud.com