Endless exemplifies the unwavering passing and cyclical nature of time.
 
A spiral staircase sends a marble down to the bottom of the clock. The user has to continuously turn a knob to push the marble back up, only for it to quickly roll all the way down again.

 

This may seem like a pointless, absurd endeavor, but after a few cycles, the user soon realizes that the process is the point. The rhythmic tap tap tap of the marble rolling down the stairs, the calming mechanical brrrr that rewards you for your efforts, the user can take in these sounds to relax and reflect on their version of the meaning behind this task.

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The Endless was inspired by Sisyphus’ punishment, putting a positive spin on an equally “meaningless” task, embodying Albert Camus’ quote “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” The mechanism was also inspired by mental health spirals in the form of anxiety attacks, a quick downward spiral that needs a slow, steady, difficult process to build mental stability back up.

 

Materials used: Foamcore, Yupo paper, Arduino Uno, Rotary Encoder, Servo, Jigsaw, Chisel set