The Ikigai Machine

Myles de Bastion

A dual citizen of the UK and the United States, Myles grew up in England obtaining a Bachelor's degree from University of Teesside (UK), focusing on computer science & visual art and was the chairman of the Musician's Society for two years. Myles often mentors Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing youth. He has taught workshops at Washington School for the Deaf (WA) Crestone School (OR) Austine School for the Deaf (VT) and at the world's first Deaf Music Camp (MI), where he developed the curriculum and was responsible for the music and sound program. In 2012 Myles moved to Portland OR and founded CymaSpace, a non-profit that facilitates arts & cultural events that are inclusive of the Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing, where Myles further developed his immersive technological and artistic works across multiple mediums. In 2015 Myles took his concepts into the commercial sector and founded Audiolux Devices, a technology company that now produces professional products featuring the synergy of light and sound. In 2018 Myles spearheaded the Northwest Deaf Arts Festival (OR) providing Artistic & Technical Direction. At the event he also performed and presented The ikigai Machine; a multimedia experience comprising of a visual narrative with interactive art installations juxtaposed with live performances. The work tells the story of an inventor born in a silent world that has no air, the inventor builds a machine to restores air and in turn, helps to world to discover sound for the first time. Myles is developing The Ikigai Machine into a full, feature-length, touring production with the aim of presenting and performing at disability hubs and art institutions throughout the nation. In tandem with his work at CymaSpace, Myles has received awards and support from Regional Arts & Culture Council, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Cultural Foundation and Randall Charitable Trust. Myles continues to live in Portland with his partner Kimberly and CODA daughters Zebra & Juniper.