Transmutation House is an optical illusion painting, film, and sound art project. This 86-second perfect time-lapse loop reminds us that the most precious thing in the Universe, even for atoms, but especially for relationships, is time. This project's color palette is based on the favorite colors of two friends I lost to self-harm—red and black for Shig, yellow for El, and blue for me. It consists of three paintings in conversation: What’s Not There (Shig), Colors Your Eyes (El), and Transmutation (all three of us).

The resulting installation bloomed into an incredible experience when viewers interacted with (and on) the painting (see the bts film & photos below). Again and again, it changed the energy of those who experienced it. Years later, it continues to change my energy as well. It is always in my thoughts and reminds me to transmute failure, despair, injustice, and pain into growth, hope, and joy.

The Transmutation House was a major turning point for me into what I refer to as “art that does.” It is not passive, or meta, or “raising awareness.” Interactions with this piece actively change your energy and state of mind, inviting viewers to slow down, contemplate, and cultivate curiosity and kindness.

The images in this gallery are selected from time-lapse photography ‘scenes’ and are available as unique limited prints.