During my experiments with electromagnetic static, I decomposed field samples into their constituent waveforms and was struck by the beauty of these waves superimposed on one another. This fascination led me to explore mechanical representations of overlapping waveforms.

The Standing Waves prototype installation is one outcome of this exploration. The piece features five lengths of ball chains, each identical in size but painted a different color. At the lower end of each chain hangs a weight, while the upper end is attached to an electric motor. Each motor is paired with a tuning circuit that allows for precise control of its speed. The motors are aligned in a straight row, creating a structured yet dynamic foundation.

As the motors spin, the chains adopt wave patterns. The weights at their ends provide tension that prevents the chains from fully forming standing waves, introducing interference into the resulting waveforms.

Viewed from the end, the spinning chains reveal an intricate interplay of overlapping, colorful waveforms—each contending with its own interference. The result is a striking visual of rhythmic, dancing colors that captures the fluidity and complexity of these mechanical waves.