The previously linked web page SunSucker.html is a fictitious and hopefully humorous parody of typical Parks and Wildlife web pages. It was created in order to present and provide contextual information about the ongoing research of artist Ken Gregory into solar powered electronic sound devices during the Solar Circuit media arts wilderness retreat February 2002 in Tasmania Australia. The idea for the Gregory's Sun Sucker was based on research into the impact of colonial intervention into Australia's environment with introduced species of non-native animals and plants which are now known to be detrimental to the naturally occurring habitats flora and fauna. Close observations revealed the effect of messing with the environment with the idea of improving on nature and how the accumulated effect can be devastating. Secondly, the installation looks into the future where the possibility of there being no nature will have us all making up artificial devices to mimic it.

Ken Gregory

This project was supported in part by the following;

The Winnipeg Arts Council
The Manitoba Arts Council
The Canada Council
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Programing by candle light in a cabin on Maria Island off the east coast of Tasmania. Computers, circuits and soldering iron powered by a solar generator.
Photo by Tapio Makela.