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I Draw Portraits Using Only My Eyes
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I Draw Portraits Using Only My Eyes

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When I was at art school, our teachers would stand behind us and scrutinize the drawing and say ‘you’re not looking hard enough’.

So I designed a piece of software in collaboration with a company called Tobaii, the world leaders in eye tracking technology. They make it possible for sensors to detect exactly where you are looking. The technology works by shining infra-red light straight into the eyes. The reflections are recorded by a camera through multi-algorithms and filters which allow eye movement to immediately be translated onto a screen. After many months of trail and error, we created a piece of code that would allow my eyes to draw a freestyle line, directly onto a computer screen, according to the different sensitivities of my eyes. I can predetermine the thickness of the line and color and then stare at the screen. As I begin to move my eyes, the line moves. No arms, no pencils or brushes. I am drawing with my eyes.

More info: grahamfink.com

When I was at art school, our teachers would stand behind us and say ‘you’re not looking hard enough’

The trouble is, there is a lot of process going on between your eyes looking at something and then transferring that information to your brain, down your arms through your pencil and onto the paper

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I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful to draw directly using just my eyes?

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So I designed a piece of software [that use] eye tracking technology and allow my eyes to draw directly onto a computer screen

I draw the lines in my mind’s eye and sooner or later a face appears. I work with this trusting my unconscious

The lines appear like digital charcoal markings. I then print the more successful ones onto white marble

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    grahamfink

    grahamfink

    Author, Community member

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    Multimedia artist, living and working in Shanghai.

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    grahamfink

    grahamfink

    Author, Community member

    Multimedia artist, living and working in Shanghai.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    ConnSuits
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fascinating! I bet a whole lotta quadriplegics would love doing that as a hobby. If you have no arm use available hobbies are pretty limited

    ArnettaScranton
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    My Uncle Miles just got an awesome black Kia Optima Sedan why not check here .......................................... 2.gp/FZSd

    Load More Replies...
    AlanRyanHall
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is rarely originality in art. But through technology..you have achieved creativity, originality and art.

    GlennRees
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite an amazing technique. I do hope this will develop into something useful for others too.

    Charlottecui
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a special talent not a lot of people have. This is amazing

    maggiemoonbeam
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fascinating! What a brilliant innovation. Will have to check out your website!

    OlgaChelesheva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The idea is amasing. The author did a great job. But is this technology is safe for eyes? "The technology works by shining infra-red light straight into the eyes." Even if it does not make any significant harm it is a great stress for eyes and a vision.

    TeaBerries
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and the next day he got a call from the US Department of Defence...

    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Tommy, actually it is for real. I was in the Gallery for 2 weeks drawing with my eyes everyday. although it is hard to do!

    Load More Replies...
    MadisonCharap
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think what's interesting is that the image produced on screen is much more intuitive, less "right" but much more strinkingly subconscious!

    cowz45
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow very cool. I have heard of cool styles of art like this, but never art drawn by eyes!

    MakenzieSheriff
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woah. This is amazing! I don't think I could concentrate like that for very long! :)

    ConnSuits
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fascinating! I bet a whole lotta quadriplegics would love doing that as a hobby. If you have no arm use available hobbies are pretty limited

    ArnettaScranton
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    My Uncle Miles just got an awesome black Kia Optima Sedan why not check here .......................................... 2.gp/FZSd

    Load More Replies...
    AlanRyanHall
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is rarely originality in art. But through technology..you have achieved creativity, originality and art.

    GlennRees
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quite an amazing technique. I do hope this will develop into something useful for others too.

    Charlottecui
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a special talent not a lot of people have. This is amazing

    maggiemoonbeam
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fascinating! What a brilliant innovation. Will have to check out your website!

    OlgaChelesheva
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The idea is amasing. The author did a great job. But is this technology is safe for eyes? "The technology works by shining infra-red light straight into the eyes." Even if it does not make any significant harm it is a great stress for eyes and a vision.

    TeaBerries
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and the next day he got a call from the US Department of Defence...

    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Tommy, actually it is for real. I was in the Gallery for 2 weeks drawing with my eyes everyday. although it is hard to do!

    Load More Replies...
    MadisonCharap
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think what's interesting is that the image produced on screen is much more intuitive, less "right" but much more strinkingly subconscious!

    cowz45
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow very cool. I have heard of cool styles of art like this, but never art drawn by eyes!

    MakenzieSheriff
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woah. This is amazing! I don't think I could concentrate like that for very long! :)

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