Arduino Light

When was the last time something worked out exactly the way you wanted it to? For me, this is an extremely rare occasion.
That IS... until I was handed a small white cardboard box, void of labeling, branding, colors of any kind. "Arduino", a really cool sounding word, with no images, no knowledge of what could possible be inside. Watching the faces of the engineers in class, and eavesdropping on small conversations about what this project could be, my excitement turned directly into sharp intimidation!
This should be interesting...

I started right away, understanding how busy the week gets, and how my work deteriorates under time and sleep restrictions. Following the tutorials, I downloaded the software and got things set up.

Setting up the circuits and revisiting the symbols used to display components and placement of the pieces, I was gently reminded of middle school science class; the last time I had worked with circuits. Memories were fond.

Living in a coop full of engineers, I became a source of entertainment. Watching me attempt to build circuits and do any sort of programming, science, engineering... was exciting for everyone involved, and became the topic of conversation often. I could sense the eyes watching my every move, inspecting the placement of my wires, resistors, LED's, looking for faults, watching my face, for it to suddenly scream out "HELP" and therefor welcome their attention and their hands to go to work on the Arduino. Each one of them would come sit down to see and chat before continuing to walk across the living room.

I played with this all week. Writing down exactly what I wanted it to do, and then watching it do just that. This is the type of satisfaction I have been searching for and missing dearly while studying Art and Design at the University of Michigan. Trial and error, yes this works, no this doesnt, why doesnt it, where is the problem, what is the problem? This type of problem solving is why I love design and why I despise the broad, unguided projects "assigned" in my art studios.

As for the lampshade, I used a metal frame with different kinds of paper on the outside to allow light to shine through differently. Also, by keeping the wire on the inside, it would create intriguing shadows.