Shy Away

2023

concept, design, fabrication, programming : Jason Cook

materials: glass bell · TFT displays · glass lenses · 3D printed components · aluminum · stepper motors · custom electronics · slip ring · lazy susan · ESP32-S3

dimensions: 24 x 15 x 15 cm

Shy Away is an object expressing both self-absorption and self-preservation. An eye moves endlessly within a glass bell as though living in its’ own bubble. The entity within the glass bell exists in a singular dimension, capable of moving only within a single axis. A micro-controller is programmed to randomly display multiple videos of an eye looking in different directions. The mechanism is triggered to move according to the direction chosen: up, down, left, right or static. In large part inspired by the works of Alan Rath, the piece is entirely self-contained. It functions and exists entirely with no interactivity required.