Processing
Bespoke unix shell scripts generate personal data reports, which are printed on a line matrix printer. The Personal Data Process references the popular line of datacenter computers sold by Digital from the 1960s through the early 90s, the Programmed Data Processor (PDP). The work evokes a mundane use of computers, sorting, tabulating, and compiling, but now detached from its bureaucratic and corporate origins.
./report
Three shell scripts generate recent user information, including a list of personal journal files, files created in the past day and week, and files modified over the past month. The output of each script is formatted using the pr command to generate multi-page reports, which are printed on a line matrix printer.
Printronix P300 line matrix printer, 14 7/8" by 11" 20 lb. greenbar paper, 6 lines per inch, 132 columns
January 2025
Self-programming contributions
A python script generates a heat map of journal entries, a form of self-programming, in the fashion of popular code repositories.
February 2025
Processing time
Their going hence, even as their coming hither:
Ripeness is all. Come on.
- King Lear, Act V. Scene II.
- Bob Dylan
The command line utility cal [1] and shell scripts are used to generate calendars of the past and future with a high speed line matrix printer. The typography invokes quotidian data processing as days, months, and years are collated. Past calendars are juxtaposed with those in the near and distant future.
Time dump
Calendars for the years 2024-1973 and 2024-2073 printed on continuous computer paper.
Printronix P300 line matrix printer, 14 7/8" by 11" 15 lb. tri-perforated paper with green lines, 6 lines per inch, 132 columns
May 2024
Processing Time video: https://youtu.be/WQrrMXMBKpI
The first set of calendars spans the 51 years of my life from 2024 back to 1973. A second set of 50 calendars includes 2024 and the years to 2073.
Six (future) calendars
Calendars for the years 2025, 2034, 2074, 2124, 3024, and 7024.
Printed using a Printronix P300 line matrix printer on 14 7/8" by 11" 15 lb. tri-perforated continuous computer paper with green lines (6 lines per inch, 132 columns).
May 2024
