Encounter

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Encounter is an interactive stained glass installation that transforms light into a spiritual and sensory experience. At the center of the work is a three-dimensional stained glass cross containing an LED light source activated by motion. The project reimagines the cross not only as a religious symbol but as an interactive encounter that invites viewers to participate in an act of illumination. When motion is detected, colored light radiates through the stained glass and spills across the surrounding darkened space, creating an immersive environment of color, reflection, and presence.

Early Sketches

Hand-drawn and colored sketches of the 3D stained glass cross component that show the design details front, back, and sides. Initial designs had an on/off switch for the interaction.

After getting feedback on my initial proposal for the project, I decided to change the interactive component to be a motion sensor that activates the light and simplify the stained glass piece.

Sourcing Materials & Create Patterns

Material List:

Stained glass sheets (various colors)
Copper foil & lead came
LED light bulb
Lamp base & wires

Arduino Uno

PIR Sensor module
5V Relay
9V battery
Breadboard
Jumper wires

Cross Pattern for cutting the glass

Arduino & Light Structure

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

I created the basic light structure with Arduino and a motion sensor, added the 5V relay, and then created the project code. I had some difficulties identifying which wire to cut for the lamp base, so it took some time, but I added the lamp wires to the 5V modules to close the loop. I uploaded the code to the Arduino and plugged a 9V battery to turn the Arduino on, as well as plugged the light source into the wall outlet.

the code that was upload into the Arduino

Stained Glass Structure

Week 6

Week 8

Week 9

Due to time constraint and limited equipment access, I was only able to create the front stain glass panel. I soldered the cross panel together and found symmetrical glass pieces from the previous project to prop up the cross, so that it can stand by itself. Then, I soldered the side panel pieces at an angle to the cross so that the final stained glass piece fits the lamp based snug.

Final

IMG_2362.mov

A video demonstration of the final working piece. The motion that is detected activates the light to turn on and off.

This project, Encounter, really challenged me to apply everything I've learned at UCSD about computing in the arts. Though it was challenging to incorporate a computing/technological component into my project, I was able to grow and experience how computing in the arts can expand further. If I had more time to work on this project, I would have increased the scale to possibly be life-size and worked on the accuracy of the motion sensor. Overall, I’m happy with how this project turned out, and I hope to continue developing and creating more in my future to come.

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