Design

Throughout my experimentation phase, I found candles embodied the concept of time most accurately. Not only is wax an ancient material, but candles were also used as time measuring devices (the earliest recorded reference of a candle clock being from 520 CE). Candles hold the quality of time passing which I found very suitable as the experience of time passing is something which changes from moment to moment. Once the candle is burned, it is gone and you are only left with traces. So with the time – once it has passed all you are left with are memories.

The final objects are the candles themselves. Each object represents a different experience and perception of time. Throughout the test phases, it was most efficient to work on a small scale. As my work and testing progressed, I realised that this size did not do the topic justice and I saw this as an opportunity to work on a larger scale.

The meanings I wished to encapsulate and convey through my objects arose through a combination of findings from my time experiments, my written thesis, through wax tests and from my own feeling and perception of time. I decided to create three objects, all of which represent the passing of time differently. The base structures/candle holders act merely as the carrier and should not be in focus. I chose to work with metal as this is fire resistant and creates a contrast to the white, clean candles. The black background and minimal presentation form helps the base structures fade away and emphasises the candles’ (and respectively times’) presence.