12/29/2023 0 Comments Sisyphus tablesThe stepper motors used in the end table and 3′ coffee table are driven by electronics specially designed to minimize noise. The ball being pulled through the sand by the magnet does make a sound, but it is described as “soft” and apparently not heard by most people when the table’s glass top is on. The functioning art table is said to be extremely quiet. These are then converted by a simple utility to the file format required for Sisyphus to “play.” This utility will allow others using vector software to convert and apply their continuous line drawings from common vector formats, such as AI and DXF. You can control playback-choosing favorite tracks or playlists-speed of play, and table-lighting from a mobile app (iOS now, Android planned) or by using any browser to connect to Sisyphus with WiFi.”Īt present, Bruce is the only composer for the Sisyphus paths, using a variety of vector-based programs with algorithmic approaches to create patterns. Sisyphus has no on/off switch you simply plug it in and it automatically calibrates itself, loads a default playlist of paths, and begins playing. The motors are controlled by a small Raspberry Pi computer which plays a set of path files, much like a music player plays an mp3 file. Under the table is a two-motor robot (the “Sisbot”) that moves a magnet which draws a steel ball through the sand. “What you see is a fully functional table with a thin layer of sand under its glass top. Here’s the simple version of how it works, according to Bruce: My goal with this Kickstarter is to get Sisyphus into people’s homes for them to enjoy as both furniture and art, but also, to inspire a community of composers to write “music” for it.” As a musical instrument plays songs, Sisyphus plays paths. ![]() It was also unique in another way-I wanted to live with it in my home. I’ve spent the last three years perfecting a home version that is beautiful, user-friendly, and that is near-silent and will run for years.”Īs Bruce describes Sisyphus on the project’s Kickstarter page, “In my art, Sisyphus is a kinetic sculpture that rolls a ball through sand, forever creating and erasing beautiful patterns.” He continues, “Over time I have come to view Sisyphus as more than a kinetic art piece: it is an instrument. No longer tasked with cutting materials to be used in making sculpture, it was the sculpture itself. As Bruce describes it, “Of all works I made, Sisyphus stood out-it was my first CNC machine to break out of the studio/shop. Enter: Sisyphus, a masterpiece of kinetic art, that is also a completely functional coffee table. The current flavor of Bruce’s favorite obsession is to release home versions of his large-scale museum sculptures. He began teaching DIY Computer Numeric Control (CNC) and robotics at science museums, and creating large-scale, permanent installations in museums across the globe, including the Science Centre of Ontario, and the Science Center of Iowa, in Des Moines. Obsessed with connecting computers to things that move, Bruce left his internal medicine practice twenty five years ago to devote himself to exploring motion control technology in art and education. Sisyphus is the creation of Bruce Shapiro of Minneapolis, MN, also known for his creation of the Eggbot. Likewise, beneath the glass of the table, Sisyphus rolls on forever, with a robot-powered magnet creating intricate designs in a thin layer of sand. And you’ll have had a foretaste of the Zen sand garden magic of Sisyphus, where kinetic art, technology and design merge into stunning, mesmerizing beauty for both marvel and meditation. The art table’s name comes from the Greek mythological king, Sisyphus, who was punished by being forced to roll a giant rock up and down a hill for all eternity. Ever played with a Spirograph? If you have you’ll have experienced the anticipation and then the sheer magic of watching the patterns appear on the paper.
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