The creation of this project came from a need to generate something interactive in the time of quarantine. I felt as if idea of touch and physicality had being challenged as of recent months. When such frameworks are taken away without warning, many can feel lost or out-of-touch within their given environment. The website shows a simple statement on the users screen.
“make a stone circle”
The simplicity of the task mirrors the simplicity of the site. A multitude of stone textured squares and rectangles are placed in a pile below the task on the page. This stops the forced identity which comes with net-art sometimes. From my research I had realised that some sites are abstract, or never-ending, or cryptic. The current state of affairs doesn’t render such critical topics within the frame of mind I felt as if I was in. I just wanted to play about with some rocks.
The rock textures are taken from a self-compiled database of all of the stone faces found at Stonehenge. This quirky nod to ‘the real thing’ acts as pastiche, an informality which draws you in to build and forge your very own stone circle. I chose a stone circle as in the past as well as the present, people find hope and comfort within these circles. They are places of worship, beauty, ritual and reflection.
The project was short, and I completed it within the time of one full work-day. I feel as if more time was needed to actually share it, and get people to use it and create stone circles. This was the purpose of the project. To help people loosen up and play freely again within the constraints of the quarantine bubble.
