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Key Points

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Zen in Motion

  • 2

    Kinetic Art (Moving Art): Get tired of still image (poster), but do not get tired of things that keep moving. Same principle as being able to watch bonfire or water's edge forever

  • 3

    Sisyphus Industries: Original kinetic sand table. CNC machine moves magnet under glass table, and iron ball draws ripple mark (Samon). Can choose pattern want to write (Mandala or Geometry) with app

  • 4

    Sandsara: Small version successful on Kickstarter. Design where sand spreads to edge and ball seems to fall but does not fall. Body using solid wood is beautiful as interior

  • 5

    Digital Detox: Instead of looking at smartphone notification, follow movement of iron ball with eyes. Just by that, Default Mode Network (DMN) of brain rests and becomes meditation state

Introduction: Meaning of Being Meaningless

This table has no function. Cannot boil water, cannot send email. Just iron ball continues to roll on sand.

However, that “Meaninglessness” has all meanings. Efficiency, productivity, Time Performance (Taipa). It is Sanctuary to be released from such obsession.

1. The Original: Sisyphus Industries

Highest peak of kinetic art developed by artist Bruce Shapiro. 2-axis robot arm is hidden under glass table.

Sisyphus Mini

Made firmly as furniture such as Metal Table and Wood Table. Dimming of LED light is also possible, and fantastic sand shading floats at night.

The Algorithm of Sand

App has thousands of types of tracks (trajectory data) posted by users around world. Complex geometric patterns, trick art like Escher, or simple spiral. Iron ball draws them out soundlessly, but surely. And next moment, new pattern erases previous pattern. Visualization of Impermanence.

2. The Compact Zen: Sandsara

If Sisyphus is too big, Sandsara. Size feeling like wireless charging pad, can be placed in corner of desk.

Sandsara Halo

Design where frame (bezel) is extremely thin and sand seems to overflow. When ball goes to edge, returns looking as if it falls.

3. Comparison: Furniture or Object

項目 Sisyphus Table Sandsara
Size Coffee Table (Furniture) Tabletop Object (Small item)
Quietness Almost silent Motor sound slightly audible
App High function (Self-made possible) Simple
Price High ($1000~) Medium ($300~)

4. The Pause Button

When stuck at work. While making coffee. Look at table casually.

Iron ball slowly pushes through sand. That speed cannot be changed. No 1.5x speed or skip. That “Slowness” deepens your breathing.

Conclusion: Modern Dry Landscape Garden

Zen monks in past adjusted their minds by sweeping ripple marks of rock garden. We in modern times can obtain same effect by turning on switch of Sisyphus.

Reproduce “Zen” by technology. That is most 21st century-like healing form.