Infinity Solids
PROJECT DETAILS
EXHIBITION
Sense Energetics
YEAR
2020
LOCATION
Denver
GALLERY
Colony Collective
MATERIALS
Hemp 3D Filament, Neopixels, Arduino, Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
METHODS
3D Modeling, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Soldering, Programming
MY ROLE
3D Modeller, Interaction Designer, Programmer, Fabricator
TEAM
Me + Laser Cutter Specialist
TIMELINE
Research: 1 week
Modelling: 6 days
Fabrication: 2 weeks
Assembly: 3 weeks
Programming: 6 days
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Infinity Solid light sculptures are structured by pure geometry and encompass a complete universe of colorful LEDs, digitally programmed to respond to human presence…and absence.
INSIGHT
Based on the Platonic Solids and their relation to five of the seven Chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, and Throat), the Infinity Solids were modeled parametrically in Fusion 360 and printed out of Hemp based PLA on a Prusa i3 Mk3.
The RGB Neopixels were soldered in such a way as to reduce “U-Turns” and get as close to a Euler’s path as possible. The Octahedron is the only one where this is physically possible. The colors of each solid relates to the color of its corresponding Chakra and incorporates simplex noise to create a dynamic moving pattern. The brightness of the lights in each solid responds to the proximity of human presence and only achieves full brightness when the viewer is withing 6 inches. This was done to emphasize the need for intentional focus when dealing with Chakra related energies.
The mirrored acrylic was also modeled in Fusion 360 to ensure a proper fit and was cut on an Epilog M2 Laser cutter. Mirrored film was then applied by hand before all pieces were permanently affixed to the appropriate solid.
Additionally, bases for each solid were modeled in Fusion 360 and printed out of the same Hemp based PLA filament in order to provide a seamless structure in which to hide the Arduino and Distance sensor used to create the interactions.