Video Editing, Directing, Motion Graphics, and Talent

Tati Jones - Physical Computing

Physical Computing: Sentient Forest


Sentient Forest is a multi-sensory art installation that anthropomorphizes nature. The installation allows visitors to interact with art in a tactile, auditory, and olfactory way, rather than solely visually. Ceramic mushrooms and fabricated leaves respond to touch with music, swaying movements, and vibration. The piece brings human personality to the forest, allowing visitors to connect with nature on a more personal level.

Although originally intended for visually impaired visitors, the multi-sensory piece allows for an immersive experience for all audiences (including children, and those who don’t generally connect with visual art).


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The ideation and fabrication of the piece was a 9 month process. When I began, I had a few things fermenting in my mind. I had recently built a wearable for people with visual impairments that alerts the wearer to the proximity of objects with wrist vibrations. Simultaneously, I was frustrated with how much of traditional art is based solely on visual aesthetics. I wanted to take what I had learned about accessibility and apply it to an art installation with more multi-sensory aspects.


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  • Research : precedents for multi-sensory installations, tactile art exhibits, creative instrument design, and nature-based installations, but no one had combined art, texture, audio, and smell in the way I wanted to.