Material & Motion: A Semester of Aesthetic Exploration

This semester has been a transformative experience in exploring physical design and computational aesthetics. Through both my Upcycle project and Main project, I’ve pushed beyond my comfort zone to develop works that engage viewers through form, movement, and interaction.

My Upcycle project began with a Mid-Century Modern vision but evolved into a Brutalist sculpture when material constraints forced creative adaptation. Using reclaimed concrete cubes, I created a zigzag composition inspired by UC San Diego’s Geisel Library. This pivot taught me how limitations can spark innovation—the resulting piece successfully captures Brutalist principles of raw materials, bold geometry, and dramatic interplay of light and shadow at a smaller scale.

My main project explored interactive kinetic art through a servo array installation that tracks and points at viewers, transforming initial discomfort into playful engagement. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic create a dance between viewer and artwork. The installation translates digital vector field motion into physical form, with 28 synchronized servos creating hypnotic wave patterns. What began as a De Stijl-inspired concept evolved into a more modernist, neoplastic expression that embodies both technical achievement and aesthetic refinement.

Both projects demonstrate my design philosophy of clean aesthetics, geometric precision, and thoughtful interaction. I’m particularly proud of the craftsmanship achieved—from the precisely balanced concrete sculpture to the custom 3D-printed gears that enable fluid servo movement. Each project began with a clear vision that adapted to technical and material realities, resulting in work that exceeded my initial concepts.

The greatest challenge was properly scoping within time constraints while pushing myself to explore aesthetics less natural to my instincts. This forced growth in both technical skills and artistic expression, teaching me that the space between what is planned and what emerges often holds the most compelling possibilities.