This kinetic mandala is approximately 9’ x 4’ and uses overlapping display wheels made of acrylic and poured epoxy to spin and create a consistent and captivating visual pattern. As the two display wheels rotate opposite each other, the semicircles in the pattern briefly align and form complete circles, before dissolving back into a gentle waveform. There are 520 colored elements in the design, which means that the pattern creates 520 circles per revolution of the wheel; or about 45,000 circles formed per hour!
This piece was designed to mirror the effect of simmering water. The slow and steady movement of the artwork acts to sooth and mesmerize the viewer. The circles form at different times and locations throughout the artwork as the wheels rotate, which causes the viewer’s eyes to wander as the pattern changes. Just as you can get lost watching bubbles form in a pot of boiling water.
Simmer is currently on display at Chimaera Gallery, in Philadelphia.
