DYNAMIC ARRAY-MODIFIER ANIMATION

ABOUT THE IMAGES

These renders are single frames taken from my DYNAMIC ARRAY ANIMATIONS, and post-processed using Adobe Photoshop. The animations are intended to include morphing audio effects. They are created using the ARRAY MODIFIER in Blender, applied to (usually) single objects - often using multiple ARRAY modifiers on a single object.
The ARRAY modifier allows various ways of setting the 'OFFSET' of the Array's instances. This includes assigning the X, Y and Z axis offsets to another object in Blender's 3D space. In these particular scenes, I have generally used 'EMPTY' objects to key the Array offsets. By animating these 'Empties', and also the object itself (which alters the Empty's relative distance/rotation) - some crazy morphing effects can be achieved.

USING ARRAYS

To experiment with Array modifiers, simply create a mesh object, viewing the object buttons (Press 'F7'). There is a MODIFIERS tab, on the right by default, that has an 'ADD MODIFIER' button. Click this button to add an ARRAY modifier.
Amongst the buttons revealed are COUNT, RELATIVE OFFSET, and object OFFSET - with RELATIVE OFFSET selected by default, and a COUNT of 2.

By increasing the COUNT and experimenting with the RELATIVE OFFSET setting, you can quickly see how these settings affect your object. But, to create effects similar to those in the renders opposite, you will need to create another object, for example, an EMPTY (Press SPACE-BAR over 3D view, and choose EMPTY). To link your ARRAY modifier to your new object/Empty, reselect your Array-modified object, and Click object OFFSET - then type the name of your second object in the text field provided. (If you added an Empty, it's name will be 'Empty' - case-sensitive - otherwise, re-select the object, and check the name in the OB: field, and change it if ya like).

Now that your array modifier is taking its X, Y and Z offset information from the second object's position, rotation and scale - small adjustments to either object will cause more and more amplified positional/rotational and scaling info to each instance of the array; twisting and flowing from the objects original position.
Animating the IPO's of the two objects can create some fabulously cool effects that would take EONS to animate in any other way. Also worth experimenting with, is to add arrays to arrays....
.....HAVE FUN!

ENJOY BLENDER-3D!! IT'S ACE!!!!