As I left the open coast of Pacific Grove and stepped into the thick, winding trees of the Del Monte Forest, the whole experience on Highway 1 changed. The loud sound of the Pacific Ocean suddenly softened, replaced by the quiet, protective stillness of the old Monterey Pines and the dramatic Monterey Cypress trees. Walking through this shaded place, I noticed the sunlight filtering through the dark branches, creating delicate, shifting patterns of light on the forest floor. As an educator, this sudden change from the bright, busy coastline to the quiet, organized woods really hit home. It was exactly what I needed to tackle a big design problem for my students who were having a tough time.
Before this, my ideas for classroom kinetic light art were all over the place, just like the big ocean. But when I saw how the strong trees had carefully arranged themselves to live in the dense shade, I realized that my devices needed a solid plan. My students have chaotic, messy lives outside of school, and when they come to my classroom, they need a place that feels stable, predictable, and well-organized.
With this new focus on engineering, I went back to my workshop. The forest had given me the idea to design the inside grids and prisms for my prototypes. I carefully made precise wooden frames that held the internal gears, so the moving light patterns stayed inside and flowed along gentle, predictable paths. By trapping the kinetic light in a nicely structured grid, I copied the calming, dappled light of the Pebble Beach groves. When my students played with these devices, they didn’t just see pretty colors; they felt a soothing, reliable mechanical feel that helped them calm down and feel safe. This moment reminds me that real creativity grows when it’s supported by a strong structure that keeps things safe and sound.
