Moon Clock

ALUNA

I was fortunate to have been invited to a presentation by artist and designer Laura Williams to the IALD in Boston. Laura's vision is to create a monument which will inspire people from every culture, religion and generation. She began by reflecting on the concept of time and the issues the western world has with filling every minute of every day. She spent time looking around her community in the UK and she was struck by the realization that people do not stop to consider time as an element of the life cycle, but only think of time as means to track the busyness of their oversheduled lives. I have to admit I am guilty of finding extra time in my day and rather than stopping to reflect, absorb, enjoy, contemplate, I will find one more thing I can do. This then causes the pattern of rushing to next task on the schedule, which I am now late for, and the stressful cycle of busyness continues. We are a culture accustomed to overstimulation. We are afraid of having absolutely nothing to do.

The result of Laura's creative energy is the design of ALUNA - the world's first tidal powered Moon Clock. She is in the process of bringing her vision to reality with plans for a structure in London and another in Melbourne. Each structure is of monumental scale and will be a fully functioning Moon Clock powered by the tide. "It will change the way we consider time and understand our planet," says Laura. The technology involved is cutting edge LED lighting, and tidal current technology created by the lunar cycle.

I am moved and in awe by her vision and her passion. As a lighting designer, I love light! I appreciate the sun for its role in the human visual system and the psychological and physiological effects of light- both electric and natural. I dont often think about the purpose of the moon and the lunar cycles and have never considered that I am affected by the moon. An occasional glance toward the night sky and a quick response to a beautiful moonlit night is about the extent of the attention I give to the moon. Laura's presentation changed my thinking about time and I am commited to spending more time contemplating both the moon and its relationships.
For more information on Aluna, go to www.alunatime.org
Please take some time to consider this project that will change how the world sees time and help spread the word!