Mobile Application Bringing Haptic Perception to Passive Digital Connections During Times of Isolation
04/10/2020
I recently became aware of your app and the background of its creation through a mutual connection. There is no doubt that you already understand the intrinsic value of this app and its message, but I wanted to reach out to thank you for creating it and to let you know how it has been useful in my practice. I work as a paralegal in guardianship and estate administration and have several clients who face challenges mentally and physically, which have only been exacerbated by this pandemic. This app has allowed them to be expressive in a way that transcends the message of an emoji. The fact that there is some energy involved in both sending and receiving the hug is, perhaps by design but nonetheless, priceless. It is my belief that the transfer of that energy can actually be felt. Often we fail to acknowledge the small things that make a difference in our work and personal lives, and I did not want this opportunity to pass. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments. But again, thanks for the HUGS!
John Cairns b.1980 Cleveland, OH
John Cairns grew up in a small suburb on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. It was there, being influenced by the manufacturing industries and nature of Lake Erie, that he learned the arts under the tutelage of his Grandmother, Eleanor. John gained an appreciation for the fine arts while making a living working mainly in the commercial and industrial arts of Cleveland during his early career. In 2006, Cairns moved to Columbus, Ohio and received an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Communication Technologies from Columbus State Community College; then went onto get a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Ohio State University with a focus on Art and Technology. Upon receiving his degree from OSU, John continued his education in the arts and technology by earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Electronic Art from the University of Cincinnati.
John Cairns currently lives in Grove City, Ohio with his wife, Holly and their two cats which are inspiration for many of his works. John is an Assistant Professor in Illustration, Fine Arts, Core Studios, and Graduate Studies at the Columbus College of Art & Design. He continues his original craft of drawing and loves to make videos and animations, and tinker with electronics, explore computer language, collect visual data, in addition to researching interaction in the arts to find out what it means to live in today’s world.
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