Lawrence N. Shaw (August 12, 1939 - August 19, 2017) is an American physicist, curator, artist and founder of Pi Day. Larry Shaw worked at Exploratorium for 33 years, doing almost all the functions for the museum. He is a key member of the art and technology community and supports the San Francisco Bay Area organization.
Video Larry Shaw (Pi)
Initial and personal life
Lawrence N. Shaw was born in Washington, D.C. on August 12, 1939 to Winfred L. Shaw and Ida W. Shaw. Larry's father works in the Department of Agriculture. The family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in California when she was a toddler and a half year old. Larry Shaw graduated from Pleasant Hill High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from Reed College in Portland, Oregon in 1961.
It was at Reed where he met his future wife, Catherine Adams. They married in 1963 and had two daughters, now Dr. Tara Shaw in sports medicine, and Dr. Sara Shaw, a veterinarian. Larry and Catherine celebrate their wedding anniversary 54 times in "full moon in June" and will have "remarriage" every seven years, because "the body has pretty much become new every seven years".
Maps Larry Shaw (Pi)
Careers
Before Larry Shaw started in Exploratorium, he worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and University of California, Berkeley, the Space Science Laboratory in physics-related work.
Exploratorium
"You are the Exploratorium", said the then director when "Technical Curator" Larry Shaw retired in 2005, after 33 years at Exploratorium. He does most of the functions for the museum.
When Larry Shaw was employed at Exploratorium in 1972 by founder and director, Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer says about job titles for Shaw, "You can put whatever you want except the 'director.'" On February 7, 1994 the cover story of MicroTimes, he said of his role as a technical curator, "I have many hats. basically, I'm looking for technology that advance the mission of the museum. " He designed and built the exhibition. He did engineering for music programs and performing arts and worked with many artists-in-residence, technically supporting their efforts to broaden their vision and turning their sometimes wild ideas into successful exhibitions. For example, he helped design a hexagonal stepping stone for visitors to dance to create music. He will also relate what visitors experience, such as echoes, to other phenomena, such as "whistles" of electrical impulses in our atmosphere. In 2001, he worked with Exploratorium's Center for Media and Communications to expand the museum's interactive learning environment with multi-media, video and telecommunications. Exploratorium and Larry Shaw use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) to help visitors understand the world, long before the STEAM (or STEM) acronym is used.
"He is happy to help people realize that they are capable, and that they can engage in the field of human thought they think is closed to them," said his wife. "That's what's called the Exploratorium, too."
Pi Day
Larry Shaw, "Prince of Pi", discovered the feast of Pi in 1988 while in Exploratorium. During an offsite staff retreat in 1988, he began talking to his coworkers, such as Ron Hipschman, about the mystery of the mathematical constants. Shaw came up with the idea of ​​connecting pi (3.14159...), beginning with 3.14, by 3/14 or 14 March. Coworkers are built on the idea and they have a mini celebration just with the staff, starting with a pastry meal. The following year, holidays are held for everyone at the museum and every year since then, even when the museum is closed during its move. The festivities include a 1: 59 pm parade with visitors holding a sign with digit pi, pi temple, pie (fruit and pizza), singing happy birthday to Albert Einstein, and more. Larry Shaw will lead the parade with his red hat with digit pi. Pi Day is recognized as a national holiday in 2009 and is internationally celebrated. Also, 2015 is a special year with it written 3/14/15, calling it "Pi Day of the Century". Shaw feels the best thing about Pi Day makes maths more accessible, fun for those who may have problems at school. When asked if he is proud of events held around the world, "Yes and no, it's not mine, it's everyone's, I'm just the person holding the pole."
Art and music
In addition to helping Artist-in-residence and others at Exploratorium, he contributes and supports the arts and technology community.
He is a core member of YLEM: Artists Using Science & amp; Technology For CyberArts X 10th Anniversary & amp; YLEM's 20th Anniversary, he is the key to the online aspect of the event. At the YLEM Exhibition in December 2001, he demonstrated his work, "SF Fog, 1967", which "combines the friendly imagery of the Golden Gate Bridge that dissolves in the rotating fractal mist in its digital collage."
He helped create computer graphics-related events for the local chapters of ACM SIGGRAPH, both Bay Area ACM SIGGRAPH and later chapter ACM SIGGRAPH San Francisco. He was also involved internationally on the jury and committee of Artworks SIGGRAPH 1987 at a conference at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Larry Shaw is called the "GodFather" of the San Francisco Robotics Society of America (SFRSA). SFRSA Mediameister Cliff Thompson said in a 2001 homage, "Apparently almost unknown & working shrewdly behind the scenes, Larry has spent years in the center of technological transformation techniques, scientific & cultural experiences deeper than anyone I know. "
He also composed and performed electronic music ( The Coagulation of Time ) and created electronic harmonium.
After retirement, he has more time pursuing his artistic passion to turn his photographs into beautiful abstractions. He continues to volunteer as an audio engineer for nonprofits.
Buddhism
Larry Shaw and his wife Catherine, with degrees in Buddhism, have visited, practiced and studied at Buddhist sites around the world. He and his family joined the Buddhist Temple of Marin in 1985. He served several terms as president. "He is a true Bodhisattva, always willing and able to help all who need it, and to share his knowledge and insight.All who know him prove his extraordinary joy, infectious enthusiasm, extraordinary interests, seemingly inexhaustible energy, and sincere, non-compassionate respect for all. "
References
External links
- 2001 Larry Tribute
- Oral History of Catherine Shaw
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments