Project 2 Artist Statement

My original plan for this project was to create a zoetrope. I very quickly had to re-evaluate based on my skill level. Learning the new tools involved with motion, especially in relation to powering the motors was more of a challenge than I had anticipated. I fell back on the goal of simply making a ceramic object that moved. I also was determined to make the electronics as subtle as possible, to try and suggest the object was truly alive. My first idea was to again include a motion sensor, but I could come up with no elegant way to hide it well. Through my research I stumbled on capacitive touch sensors, which drew me because I could make one out of any metal piece, and therefore more gracefully integrate it into the sculpture. It was important to me that this object be very small, as I was interested in the relationship between ceramics, preciousness, and scale. I intentionally created a very precarious and diminutive housing, to create a sense of tension for the viewer when they were asked to touch the object. I neglected to remember that I needed a power source for the electronics however, so I was unable to completely hide the wires.