Final Project Proposal
For my final project, I would like to create an art project that replicates a tree. My project will be a tree that is also an iridescent light that is powered by solar energy. The tree will store the energy from the sunlight that it accumulates during day, and use that same energy to power the LED lights that are attached to the structure. Additionally, the tree will have origami flowers attached to the branches of the tree with the LED lights coming out of the flowers as to create a dimly lit setting. I chose this piece because I wanted to create a piece that played on the fact that all the pieces used to construct the project are artificial, yet I wanted it to replicate a natural phenomenon. Also, I feel as though most of the projects that are constructed in new media arts are often very artificial and robotic looking so I wanted to defy this and create something that was unique to the field. Furthermore, I would like to produce this piece in order to gain further experience dealing with different new media mediums; I ultimately want to take the skills I learned in this class and use them to apply in my own artwork. In constructing this project, I will need a variety of materials to bring it to fruition. These materials include:
• Origami paper
• Copper wires
• LED lights
• Micro-solar panels
• a proximity sensor
• Arduino board
• Plant Vase

These materials should prove adequate in my goal of constructing this solar powered artificial tree.

Questions :

What material should I use to full the vase that the tree will sit in?

What ways can I modify my project to make it seem more natural?

What other ways, if any, do you think would be a good substitute for the use of a proximity sensor as a switch to activate the LED Lights?