Clocks
““Time is the substance I am made of. Time is a river which sweeps me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger which destroys me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire which consumes me, but I am the fire.””
Experiments in the emotional connection to Time
Time is elusive and relative to each person or entity. We measure and enact our lives with time as this invisible director. We need to assign language to time to comprehend its influence. We speak of time spatially; the future is ahead of us, the past is behind us we spend time and save time like it is a form of currency. As Physicist Carlo Rovelli states, Time is for us, as series of relationships and events. The earth rotates once and we have a day.
I am curious to explore ways that we experience time through other tangible means. We feel time through loss of anticipation. These two sensations help frame the past and future and they pass at different rates in out minds even though Time does not change. It slows when we are waiting, and speeds up when we are present, and drags endlessly when we are apart.
These works prototypes are discursive objects that fit in between sculpture and design. They are intended to be objects designed to fit into our living spaces that inspire contemplation and presence. When the two hands are approaching and nearly passing, it is almost impossible to not stop and watch and be present for the moment of connection as the hands pass and nearly touch. Afterwords, we are returned to one or the other states of being; living in the past, or imaging the future.
Automation
This work is built with arduino and stepper motors to enable control over the rate of movement, number and direction of rotations as a means to tamper with expectations and experience. Computer code allows for change in direction, rate of travel and number of rotations, simulating and humanizing orbital relationships.
The Spark
As an experiment, strike anywhere matches are placed at the end of the clock arms to heighten the anticipation.
An observer very quickly assigns meaning to each clock, usually one becomes the observer and the other someone the observer cares for. We crave connection and this passing moment, potential spark is a bittersweet experience.
Current research is focused on producing a designed and polished object that does not keep time per se, but shows the constant orbit of two times. This clock invites us to consider the two states of anticipation and longing, and to slow down and be present for the passing of the two hands.
Laser cut Aluminum clock face with color tests. Clock hands are carved Ebony wood. Anticipated completion and release of edition Fall 25.