Pace v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Paced} p. pr. & vb. n. {Pacing}]
1. To go; to walk; specifically, to move with regular or
measured steps.
2. To walk up and down nervously, as to expend nervous energy.

Description:

A home monitoring system that measures and documents nervous pacing activity. The result is a physical visualization of the amount of pacing, for personal use in a domestic environment. The purpose is to visualize the distance traversed while engaged in measured, contemplative walking.

The monitoring system takes the form of a track, specifically scaled and designed for pacing on. The track is elevated from the ground level and balances on a subtle see-saw. Sensors at each end of the track keep tabs on the amount of laps. The distance paced is calculated and transmitted to a wall-mounted unit which dispenses an equivalent length of red yarn. The yard accumulates on the floor, anywhere you choose to install it. Mine is installed by the doorway.

Context:

Part of a series called “Measure of Discontent”, from my MFA work at UCLA’s department of Design and Media Arts.

This work stems from the concept of measuring and representing anxiety. I was inspired by certain countries’ efforts to impose quantifiable values to the “happiness” of its people—Notably, the tradition of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan. Or even contemporary magazine articles that aim to report the worlds “happiest countries.”
It follows that if you can measure happiness than you can also measure unhappiness. Taking this as my point of departure, this work investigates the idea of quantifying the subjective—in this case, national anxiety.

Related: Sigh Collector

Build Your Own! instructables.com/id/Pacing-Track/

• Circuit: Sending Module
• Circuit: Receiving Module
• Diagram: Full Track
• Diagram: Yarn Dispenser

Special Thanks: Chris O’Leary, Photography and Video

Sigh v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sighed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Sighing}.]
1. To inhale a larger quantity of air than usual,
and immediately expel it; to make a deep single
audible respiration, especially as the result or
involuntary expression of fatigue, exhaustion,
grief, sorrow, or the like.
[1913 Webster]

Description:

A home monitoring system that measures and ‘collects’ sighs. The result is a physical visualization of the amount of sighing, for personal use in a domestic environment.

The project is in two parts. The first part is a stationary unit, which inflates a large red air bladder upon receiving the appropriate signal. The second part is a mobile unit, worn by the user, which monitors breathing (via a chest strap) and communicates a signal to the stationary unit wirelessly when a sigh is detected.

Context:

Part of a series called “Measure of Discontent”, from my MFA work at UCLA’s department of Design and Media Arts.

This work stems from the concept of measuring and representing anxiety. I was inspired by certain countries’ efforts to impose quantifiable values to the “happiness” of its people—Notably, the tradition of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan. Or even contemporary magazine articles that aim to report the worlds “happiest countries.”
It follows that if you can measure happiness than you can also measure unhappiness. Taking this as my point of departure, this work investigates the idea of quantifying the subjective—in this case, national anxiety.

Related: Pacing Track

Build Your Own! instructables.com/id/Sigh-Collector/

• Circuit: Receiving Module
• Circuit: Sending Module
• Diagram: Measurements and Specs

Special Thanks: Chris O’Leary, Photography and Video

Removal Studies are a series of videos made using time-lapse photography. These videos are sleep studies that observe the reaction of the unconscious body to the negative stimulus of removing the covers.
The covers are removed by a machine that attaches to the bed and tugs a slight amount off in increments throughout the night. By studying the sleeping body, my aim was to capture something very honest and very animal about human beings. I was interested in this gesture of removal — and subsequently, exposure — and how it could function as a larger metaphor.

The imagery is generated by a DSLR camera taking 30 second exposures every two minutes. This video is what I view to be the most successful iteration from a series of studies. It was shot during a full moon.