The basic idea is to make a sort of mechanical mandala (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala) which is generated on the spot.
World of sand falling is an interactive display where the media is a bed of sand. The artwork is both the creations made in the sand itself as well as the mechanical process by which it is created. A machine will create a sandscape in the display area, much like a mandala. This project is an attempt to fulfill a few longtime desires of mine. To create a device which works with the motion of sand and physically realizes the flow of data. The initial goal is ambitious but I will propose a number of ways in which the project may be scaled backwards or forwards depending on the progress I am able to make. The main area will be a flat surface with raised edges which is filled with white sand and lit by a single bright light source from a slight angle. The sandscape may be interacted with in a number of ways, not all of these will necessarily be included depending on their feasibility and desirability. An adjustable stream of sand from above, which will rain down to create mountains. A weight on a string or rod which can be used to trace out lines on the sand. A series of ball bearings which are moved via magnetic force from below. A series of small tools which viewers can use to participate in the sandscape, such as a small rake. The proposed size will not be incredibly large, approximately a foot and a half to a side, however I think that this can be scaled up or down without too much difficulty. This will be displayed like a free standing table and will have a statement of theme and use which will encourage users to interact with the piece.
Keywords: sand, drawing machine, sandscape, mechanical mandala, permanence of data
Timeline: 4 Weeks 1st Week
