Crystal Cortez is a sound, installation artist & programmer based out of Portland Oregon. They are also a professor of Creative Coding & Sonic Arts at Portland Community College. As someone who never saw themself represented in computer music or creative tech their work focuses on the empowerment of underserved populations gaining access and knowledge around technology. In 2019 they co founded whateverSpace, a maker space offering free and sliding scale workshops and technology rentals with priority going to the BIPOC community. Under their performance moniker Crystal Quartez they transforms field recordings, uses synthesis, audio programming, data sonification, and 3D sound spatialization to produce complex sonic realms. Their practice has recently involved the development of interactive sculptural interfaces and wearable technology that monitor movement and other corporeal methods to liberate the performer from their interfaces. Their art has been shown at NIME, La MaMa NYC, PNCA, Disjecta, PICA, Navel (LA), On the Boards (Seattle) and more.
CV available upon request.