Mantra Wheel
The role of prayer in human life
The role of prayer in human life has been profound and multifaceted throughout history. As one of the most universal and primal human behaviors, prayer has always served as a way to connect with forces beyond the material world. This spiritual connection has helped individuals face the unknown, find peace, and cultivate hope and resilience.
In Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, prayer often takes the form of meditation, mantras, and other spiritual practices. Mantras, typically in Sanskrit, carry specific spiritual energies. By repeating a mantra, individuals enter a state of deep focus and concentration, creating positive vibrations and inner energy.
The prayer wheel, used in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizes spiritual practice and acts as a tool for mindfulness. These wheels, typically cylindrical, are inscribed or filled with sacred texts and mantras. They come in various sizes, from handheld versions to large, stationary wheels in temples. It is believed that spinning the prayer wheel releases the positive energy of the mantras, mirroring the effects of oral repetition. The act of turning the wheel symbolizes the cycle of life and the flow of energy in the universe, placing the individual in a state of mindfulness while sending the messages of prayers and their positive energy to the cosmos.
The Eightfold Path, also known as the Noble Eightfold Path, is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. These principles provide a way to end suffering and achieve enlightenment (Nirvana), encompassing Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
Kinetic Sculpture
This artwork draws inspiration from the Eightfold Path and the core teachings of Buddhism, embodying a balance and harmony that emerge from the endless motion of nature and awareness. The wooden frame contains 137 octagonal pieces, rotating in unison around their axes. This dynamic movement evokes the prayer wheel and the repetition of mantras, serving as symbols of focus, peace, and inner energy.
The octagonal shapes symbolize the principles of the Eightfold Path, representing a continuous journey toward awareness and enlightenment—from Right View and Intention to Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood. Each piece signifies an element of the path, reflecting an inner and purifying journey that leads to unity and inner peace through self-awareness and mindfulness.
The brown and green tones
The brown and green tones in the piece reflect nature, earth, and spiritual growth. Brown signifies roots and the human connection to the earth, while green symbolizes budding growth and spiritual awakening that moves outward toward enlightenment. Together, these colors create a harmonious depiction of serenity and the connection between mind and nature.
This visual and kinetic composition, akin to mantras and the prayer wheel, represents an unending cycle a pursuit of peace and balance that guides one toward coexistence and connection with the surrounding world.
Details
Construction Phases
Design
The project began with the overall design drafted in AutoCAD, where the precise positions of each component were mapped out, serving as a roadmap for the rest of the construction process. Next, the three-dimensional form was simulated in 3ds Max to provide a realistic representation of the final piece.
The next step involved 3D printing, which allowed for the creation of a highly accurate physical model. This model enabled the production of ceramic molds with exceptional precision. These molds, crafted from plaster, were designed as two separate pieces for ease of use.
Mold
The Noble Eightfold Path, one of the foundational principles of Buddhism, offers a way to end suffering and achieve enlightenment (Nirvana). It encompasses Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. This octagonal design is directly inspired by these principles, aiming to convey not only visual beauty but also profound spiritual meaning.
Creating Objects
For this project, a total of 137 pieces are needed, and each piece is carefully refined after molding to achieve a smooth and flawless surface. The refinement process not only enhances the final aesthetic of the work but also ensures the quality and durability of each piece.
Once this stage is complete, all the pieces are fired in the kiln at the appropriate temperature to achieve their final strength and durability. This process is one of the most delicate and crucial steps in creating a ceramic artwork, requiring both technical skill and creativity.
Wood Working
At this stage of the project, I needed to build a wooden frame, which plays a crucial role in completing my work. For this task, I took a step away from ceramics and entered the world of woodworking. The wood I selected initially had a square cross-section measuring 10 x 10 cm, but after planing, it was reduced to 9 cm.
To join these wooden pieces, I used internal wooden dowels to ensure that no screws or external connectors were visible on the surface. As shown in the video, placing and gluing these pieces required precision to achieve a structure that is both sturdy and aesthetically refined.
After assembly, I carefully sanded the surface to achieve a smooth and even finish. In the final step, I applied a finish to the wood and added a touch of color, enhancing its appearance and aligning it with the overall design of the project.
The frame is now ready to become part of the final artwork, complementing the other elements and conveying the message and concept of this project in the best possible way.
Final Finishing and Glazing
The glazing process marks the final stage of this ceramic project. The glazes have been carefully categorized into seven harmonious shades, ranging from cream to dark brown and from light green to deep green.
In this work, brown symbolizes roots, the connection of humanity to the earth, and a reminder of the foundations of the land. Meanwhile, green represents sprouting, spiritual growth, and natural development—a movement from within outward, toward illumination and awakening.
Together, these two colors create a visual balance of stillness and motion, roots and growth, earth and life.
Assemble
The project now moves to the assembly phase, where all the meticulously crafted and refined ceramic components come together to form the final structure.
These ceramic pieces are suspended from 1-meter-long metal rods. Using nuts and metal spacers, the distance between each piece is carefully adjusted and aligned to ensure a balanced and harmonious composition.
In total, 137 ceramic objects, finished with seven shades of glaze, are arranged across 21 metal rods. Each piece is precisely positioned and secured with care.
This stage bridges creativity and engineering—a moment where the concept transforms into reality, and every ceramic element finds its unique place in the artwork.
This artwork is a fusion of ceramics, wood, and mechanics, symbolizing the coexistence of art, nature, and technology. Designed with 137 glazed ceramic pieces in shades ranging from cream and brown to light and dark greens, the project explores the profound connection between humanity and nature, as well as the journey of spiritual growth. Brown hues reflect the bond with the earth and human roots, while green symbolizes sprouting, growth, and the movement toward enlightenment and awakening.
The ceramic pieces are meticulously assembled onto a metal framework using 1-meter-long rods, where the spacing between them is adjusted with nuts and metal spacers to create a balanced and harmonious arrangement. Gears and other mechanical components, designed and crafted through laser cutting, ensure smooth and dynamic movement, transforming the piece from a static object into a living entity.
This project is not merely an artwork but a complex system where every element—from ceramic pieces to mechanical structures is intricately interconnected. The final result embodies the intersection of art and engineering, reflecting on humanity’s bond with nature and the pursuit of beauty in both motion and stillness.
The aim of this piece is to invite viewers to contemplate the role of balance, growth, and harmony in life, creating a space that is both calming and inspiring.