The Flower of Life:
a human cycle of creation
The Flower of Life, 2022
This project documents my journey to integrate fine art and electrical engineering on humanist terms, reinforcing ancient traditions and envisioning a heart-centric future.
Main project overview: https://vimeo.com/780806914
Additional videos
Etching with vinyl: https://vimeo.com/780821822
The Flower of Life as a crystal grid: https://vimeo.com/777130694
Industrial etching by King Credie (Shenzhen): https://vimeo.com/779747244
Kelly Heaton // The Flower of Life, 2022 // Ancient Future Technology
The Flower of Life is an archetype for the cycle of universal creation. It represents the circular relationship between humans, technology, and nature wherein we are part of an existing nature and creating a new nature - simultaneously.
“Inspired by the sand mandalas of Buddhist monks, I set-up my Flower of Life as a crystal grid. I wanted to see (or feel) how the vibration would change in the presence of naturally occurring minerals. After all, crystals such as silicon, gallium, and quartz are the material foundation of electronic technology. I am pleased to report that the combination of ritual engagement, rock crystals, and electrical vibration do create a distinct presence, something like a special electromagnetic field for setting intention.”
“It’s not easy for me to work with circuits as an artist because electrical engineering is biased towards science, industry, and consumer products. But I want an emotionally intimate relationship with technology, and circuits are the most direct means I know to make art with electricity. Circuits feel like magical sculpture to me. By contrast, software is a linguistic medium that is several layers removed from the physical body an electronic device. Circuits have a raw, authentic presence that I don’t find in the virtual reality of my computer.”
“For years, I’ve been dreaming about etching my own circuits on traditional artistic media like paper or canvas. There is a long history with copper etching in art, but usually to make the plates for printmaking. In other words, we don’t actually see the etched copper because it’s just a tool for making the print. With my printed circuit boards, I want etched copper to be a central compositional element of the art. I am inspired by Richard Serra’s heavily worked drawings because they highlight the nature and struggle to work with raw, elemental materials.”
Digital artifacts // Circuit design
Physical artifacts // crystal grid
Physical artifacts // etchings
When I make a work of electronic art, people often ask me “well, what does it do?” In this case, my answer is “it does art.” That’s it: it just does being a work of art. Satnam
— Kelly Heaton