Lifeform
Prompt
Inspired by dry garden landscapes, design a maple tool that creates patterns in sand.
Its function is open to interpretation: it may rake, drag, press, stamp, disturb, or invent an unconventional way of marking the ground.
Intent
Even if I create the most beautiful pattern ever, it will inevitably mix back into the sand. This is true of life too.
How can I make a pattern that directly feels into this?
My masterpiece is ever-fleeting marks in the sand. The bittersweet impermanence of sand & all things.
Sketches & thinking
Making
Processed, chopped up, glued maple slabs
Making
Drilled, using three sizes of bits
Laser-engraved meditative instructions for using Lifeform
Instructions
- 01Take off your shoes.
- 02Take a few breaths to settle yourself.
- 03Consider your life, everything that's progressed until now.
- 04Once you feel ready, you may step into the sand.
- 05Press your first memory into the sand.
- 06Walk very slowly. Each step is some of your years going by.
- 07Press your next core memory.
- 08Keep walking and pressing until the sand knows your story.
- 09Take a few breaths and consider everything you've ever wanted.
- 10Walk again, this time into your future.
- 11Press moments you want to live through. Press your dreams.
- 12Once your life is complete, you must leave the sand behind.
- 13Watch as others enjoy the sand.
- 14Watch as your life fades away.
- 15Your life will always be somewhere in the sand.
