Recycled Coral Reef
The coral and rocks were all constructed from recycled plastics, cardboard, and cans. We used various techniques to change their form and color to mimic a coral reef.
Draping Ocean Fabric
Several cords holding sheets of fabric are strung from the upper level. This fabric felt like organic ocean wave as viewers walking within the intallation.
Interactive Touch Oil Drum
This oil drum was painted with capacitive paint that senses when a persons hand is places within the red circle. An ESP32 sends that data over to TouchDesigner which triggers an audio and lighting response mimicking the death of ocean life.
Constructed with cardboard, Programmed with Arduino
For an assignment requiring the use of capacitive touch, I constructed a geometric shape that reflects and distorts various LED sequences. As your hand makes contact with the metal spoons, the inner reflection of the geometry comes to life. The circular viewport illuminates, offering a glimpse inside. Fiddle with a different spoon and peek within to see the inner world shift before you.
This piece explores the contrast between interior and exterior as a metaphor for human nature, the tension between what we reveal and what we conceal. The dark pillar stands unmoving, much like the facades people present to the world. It is solid, composed, and unwilling to waver. On the surface, it offers no immediate insight into what lies within, but the geometric shape it holds tells a different story. It represents the inner self, structured, intricate, and carefully contained.
The illuminated viewport offers only a controlled glimpse inside, mirroring how humans selectively share parts of themselves while keeping much hidden. The interaction with the spoons suggests that connection and curiosity can momentarily bring inner worlds to light, yet true depth always remains just beyond reach.
DIY lighting design
Why I built this...
Why I built this...
Why I built this...
At the University of Texas, my fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, has a fun tradition of designing and constructing large scale installations for a party. I managed a team of 7 other members who assisted with the entire process, and my groups' theme for the party was "Cartoons."
Initial Designs
Why I built this...
Why I built this...
Sketched a design for building the structure out of wood and determined out how much wood was needed. This sketch was adjusted and approved by the board of the fraternity before purchasing the materials.
Building the Base
Why I built this...
Adding the Space ship
The base was designed to hold the ship above the crowd at the party. It was built using 2x4's with the purpose of supporting weight. It was then painted and waited for its other half.
Adding the Space ship
Adding the Space ship
Adding the Space ship
Instead of struggling to make a circular ship with wood, I simplified the actual cartoon ship into an octagon. Build with 3 separate octagons paneled to create a UFO shape. Then it was painted.
Putting it Together
Adding the Space ship
Putting it Together
We lifted the UFO onto the base and installed it at an angle leaning downwards. A cloud feature was added beneath the ship with LEDs hidden to make it glow and feel like its floating. We brought the ship to life with LEDs and added some more details to reflect Rick's ship in the cartoon.
Final Installation
Adding the Space ship
Putting it Together
For the final product, we added a fog machine, bright headlights, and a painting of Rick and Morty sitting in the cockpit. During the party the lights all reacted the music using built in audio input, It was a highlight of the party and people even climbed up to stand on top and dance!