About
Jacob Buys is an emerging experimental artist based in Seattle, WA. Growing up on a farm in rural South Africa, he developed the skill and mindset of making things in his father's workshop. Though his career took him into software engineering, the draw toward physical making never left.
Applying this lifelong passion for learning new skills has expanded his palette of tools from purely software into the design (electronic, acoustic, mechanical) and fabrication (wood, metal, plastic; manually and through CNC) of pretty much anything.
Since 2025, he has applied this cross-disciplinary toolkit to building interactive art installations. Working closely with professional artists has accelerated the development of his own practice, which centers on light, sound, and motion as expressive mediums. Combining experimental techniques drawn from art, engineering, and craft he strives to create mesmerizing artworks that surprise and delight.
Experience & Education
- Skills
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Specialist skills include:
- Volunteering
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Teaching at Seattle Makers:
- 2023-2024: Arduino 101: Introduction to Interactive Electronics with Arduino
- 2026-present: CAD 101: Introduction to Computer-Aided Design for 3D Printing.
- Courses
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2026: Public Art Intensive Eastside
- Other formal education
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2005-2008: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics
- Other professional experience
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2008-2023: Senior Software Engineer