Lightning Detector
Date: 2018
Medium: Static Electricity Sculpture
Materials: Acrylic, wood, tuning forks, neon light bulbs, rubber, hardware, and custom electronics
Dimensions: 61cm x 61cm x 33cm
These experiments explore the history and discovery of electricity through encounters with preternatural electrical phenomena such as St Elmo’s Fire and Franklin's Bells. Lightning Detector reanimates the once living form of a twisted miniature tree collected from the Calico Mountains in Nevada. The title of the piece refers to early static electricity experiments using a lightning rod and bell to create motion and sound. The metal draped over the branches subtly rings tuning forks in a continuously random melody.
The series combines organic plant and animal materials such as wood and wool and brings them to life, at least in appearance, by taking advantage of dielectric properties in the material. Using negative ion generators I construct visual and sonic scenarios with static electricity sculpture.
For a more technical explanation of this body of work please see my Zoom lecture on static electricity: https://vimeo.com/606031910/858d261c10