Mutual Light, Light Flower 9 - 2023 
36” H x 36” W x 7.5“D
 
In each Light Flower the visitor’s invisible infrared heat signature is made visible when the participant approaches one of these interactive robotic floras. The changes in visitors body heat and proximity to the light sculpture will cause the flower to animate with light through temporal and color changes. In the center of the illuminated flower structure a long-range infrared thermometer takes readings of the invisible heat signature of a participant. At the same time the robo-flora will precisely read the visitors distance to each flower with distance sensors. In this project there is an observable relationship, where humans emit light in the infrared spectrum and the flowers respond by emitting light visible spectrum. Additionally, the Iight patterns that the flower forms emit mimics the color patterns of flowers as seen in the ultraviolet spectrum by birds and other animals.
 
Materials: slumped and cast high density polyethylene (HDPE) from recycled milk jugs, stainless steel, wire, LEDs, Arduino Pro-Mini, long range temperature sensors, distance sensor, custom electronics, power supply.