Background
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Emerging multidisciplinary artist exploring novel human-computer interaction through the creation of interactive installations, audiovisual performances, and physical artifacts
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Born 1997 in Markham, Ontario, Canada
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Lives and works in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Second generation Canadian - Finnish and Cantonese ethnicity
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Education
2020 - BASc., Engineering Science (Aerospace specialization) - University of Toronto
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Professional experience
2024-Present - Freelance Software Development
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Lua, C++, and GLSL programming for AAASeed, a realtime engine for 2D/3D graphics and interactive installations. Contributing to foundational architecture and core feature development, progressing towards taking the software open source for use by artists, developers, and businesses.
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Optimization of image and data processing pipelines in C++, Python, and JavaScript.
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Image and video feature extraction using machine learning models in OpenCV and MediaPipe, including object detection, human pose estimation, and image segmentation.
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Creative realtime data visualization and sonification using JavaScript, WebGL, and p5.js.
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Experimenting with machine learning for data analysis, time-series forecasting, chatbots, and retrieval augmented generation.
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Solo web developer for a Toronto-based grassroots internet radio station.
2020-2024 - Product Manager - Nanoleaf
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Creator of the Nanoleaf Screen Mirror feature in the Nanoleaf Desktop App, now also available in Nanoleaf 4D
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Managed the development and product lifecycle of the Nanoleaf Essentials lineup of smart bulbs and lightstrips
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Lead successful partnerships and technical collaboration with key partner companies in the smart home industry
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Lead the development and partnership of multiple integrations including Razer Chroma, Corsair iCUE, Engine DJ
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Exhibitions/performances
2025 - Blind Spots - UKAI Projects
2025 - The Reader - UKAI Projects​
2024 - All The Small Things - Northern Contemporary Gallery
​2024 - Game, Set, Match - InterAccess Gallery​
2024 - Open HDMI: Spring 2024 II - InterAccess Gallery
​2024 - Bird Conductor - Long Winter​
2024 - Open HDMI: Spring 2024 - InterAccess Gallery
​2023 - P2P 2023 InterAccess Member Showcase Open HDMI Event - InterAccess Gallery​
2019 - Hart House 100th Anniversary Screening - Hart House Film Board
2016 - Canada’s Golden Hour photography project - Posterjack
2015 - International Images for Science UK touring Exhibition - Royal Photographic Society
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Personal Projects
2024 - Genuary Generative Art Prompt Series
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Unique daily code sketches creating generative visuals for the entire month of January using p5.js (Javascript) and GLSL, inspired by prompts from the Genuary 24 site.
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Short-form demo for application to perform at MUTEK Montréal
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Collaboration between Benjamin Lappalainen and composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Theo.
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Algorithmically generated visuals and distortions directly interact with a deconstructed instrumentation and sound design to re-arrange, mix and orchestrate the music in realtime, shaping a heavy electrosynth soundscape.
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Co-piloted by the artists using a mixture of custom computer vision tracking, MIDI control, and interfacing with Ableton live and VDMX.
2023-Present - GLSL Shader Programming
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Regular self-directed education, practice, and sketching using GLSL to become proficient in the programming of graphics shaders for generative art & design
2023-Present - “Stoat” Discord Bot
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Custom Discord bot for a community server written from scratch in Python, themed after the “Stoat” character in the game “Inscryption”.
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Regularly updated with features and bug fixes at the request of server members.
2022-Present - Human Sequencer
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Evolving project exploring the use of the spatial position of individuals in a room to serve as the control points for a musical sequencer, allowing musical collaboration amongst multiple participants regardless of musical ability.
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Publications
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"Auralizing Acoustic Architecture: A Multi-channel Ambisonic Listening Room for Architectural Design" - undergraduate thesis paper on computational simulation and auralization of sounds in a simulated space to influence and aid in the design of better architectural acoustics
2018 - Knowledge Encyclopedia: Science! - DK
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Photograph licensed by DK
2016 - Canada’s Golden Hour photography project - Posterjack
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Photograph published as part of the Ontario section of the project book
2015 - International Images for Science Catalogue - Royal Photographic Society
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Photograph selected and published as part of the annual catalogue
2015 - INSPIRE me. york Magazine Edition 1 - INSPIRE me. york
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Documentary photography of the community of the Chippewas of Georgina Island for article and interview
2015-2021 - The Varsity Student Newspaper online & print articles - The Varsity (University of Toronto)
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Photography contributor to many articles including politics, sports, arts & culture
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Teaching
2015 - Recreational Astronomy Night meetings (2) at the Ontario Science Centre - Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
2014 - RASCTO Members’ Night at the University of Toronto - Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
2014 - RASCTO Members’ Night at the David Dunlap Observatory - Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
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awards
2014 - Winner of TIFF NextWave 24-Hour Film Challenge - Toronto International Film Festival