Eyes of the Wind

9' x 9' x18'

Fiberglass hoops, plastic film, custom electronics, blowers, leaves

The inspiration for Eyes of the Wind was phenomenological, a pure delight in the way that the wind lifts and moves leaves in "dust devil" circles. I imagined an interactive installation that would call attention to the seasonal phenomena that occurs in the wake of wind patterns surrounding tall buildings. The sensation is that of being in an energizing storm - a benevolent mix of swirling leaves, moving air and the sonic rush of wind.

From a distance, Eyes of the Wind appears to be a sculpture made of soap bubble film, reflecting the world around it. This structure forms a series of passageways and envelopes which people move through in ways that are reminiscent of the nursery rhyme song, Go In and Out the Window. As you approach it, your presence is sensed and in turn the blowers begin to move air into the envelopes containing leaves. The leaves swirl in these vortices of air which shift in speed and duration in response to your pace and proximity. Designed for social engagement and playful explorations, there are four passageways to move though and three envelopes of interactive leaves.

Installed as a temporary installation in public spaces inside and out of doors, Eyes of the Wind is one of a cycle of installations that comprise Gardening the Elements in a Landscape of Technology. It exemplifies my interests in the dynamics of nature, technology and community. In this instance, technology magnifies our awareness of a natural phenomenon that is accessible but not generally the focus of our attention nor our experience. Designed for social engagement, Eyes of the Wind invites people to interact with one another. It becomes a catalyst for spontaneous moments of community in urban public space.

[The origin of the word window is "wind-eye".]