n = 1.3, Art Project

Steel, Wood, Acrylic, Glass, Superabsorbent Polymer

Our trust in the accuracy of our senses is one of the most fundamental assumptions of human cognition. n = 1.3 investigates the effects of questioning these assumptions. Consisting of super-absorbent polymer spheres hung by nets and raised into and out of water by a series of motors and custom made linkages, the viewer experiences the apparent vanishing and reappearance of the balls over the course of a minute. Through the interaction between the spheres, the net, and the water, viewers are challenged to further consider the accuracy of their senses and beliefs, and the far-reaching implications of questioning one's preconceptions.

n = 1.3 is named for the index of refraction of water. The suspended spheres, made of a super-absorbent polymer, absorb many times their weight in water. The resulting spheres attain almost the same refractive index as water; thus, they appear to be made of glass in midair, but become essentially invisible once submerged in water. As they slowly raise and drop in a sinusoidal motion, the viewer becomes disoriented and confused, and is allowed to meditate on their assumptions while watching the nets slowly spin as they follow their cyclical path.

Created for Personal Statements, a Stanford Graduate Design Program tradition, n = 1.3 was built over the course of 2 weeks, including CADing, laser cutting, machining, welding, woodworking, and finishing. The Personal Statements projects allow Stanford Design grad students to design and create a work in any medium of their choosing, outside the bounds of any school requirements, that they feel reflects some important aspect of themselves. n = 1.3 reflects my belief in the value of consistent inquisition and relentless questioning of the world around you, principles that I try to hold to in my everyday life.