"THE ENERGY IT TAKES"was created to draw attention to the enormous amount of industrial generated power we as a society consume every single day without so much as a second thought. We all flip on light switches, press elevator buttons, turn on a computer or use a cell phone at the drop of a hat. This piece was designed to invite school aged children into the discussion of energy consumption. "THE ENERGY IT TAKES" brings to light the actual amount of power it takes to make something run. Set in a dimly lit space, is a large kaleidoscope created from repurposed bicycle wheels and threaded with coloured vases and glasses, all mounted in a sturdy welded frame. In order for the kaleidoscope to operate, the viewer must first charge a hand crank dynamo flashlight. Once the flashlight has been charged and placed into the provided stand, the viewer may turn the glass filled bicycle wheels to create beautiful light patterns on a screen set behind the apparatus. The viewer is asked to pay attention to how much energy they needed to expend to make the flashlight work and to also note the length of time their energy producing efforts lasted. It is hoped that by taking energy consumption to a more personal level, the unsustainable habits we have developed can be challenged and ultimately invoke the beginning of needed change.
***Please scroll down to view images of "THE ENERGY IT TAKES".***
Photo credits: Susan Chantal, John Maywood, Cynthia Sibley
