As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the leaves, they set off a dazzling display of color and shadow, revealing the intricate dance between light and life - a dance that inspired my latest artwork, a dynamic sculpture that captures the essence of the "Circle of Light" theme. With this sculpture, my intention is to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the interwoven presence of color and radiance in all aspects of the natural world. As the light strolls around the metal scraps and LED strips, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and how light plays an essential role in these processes. The sculpture mainly consists of metal materials, standing on a steel base and pole. The focal point of the artwork is a crescent-shaped pole backbone, where bent and physically manipulated rods, plates, mesh pieces, and poles emerge. These elements are made of scrap metal with various textures and colors. A single bent rod goes through two pole elements, allowing them to conjoin or separate easily. The sculpture includes LED strips that are woven in and out of the metal poles, providing the only non-metallic component. In total, the artwork measures 6 ft in length, 2 ft in width, and 3 ft in depth with the base included. When considering the cyclical nature of life, light plays a crucial role in many of the transformative processes we observe in the world around us. The way in which the light sources in the sculpture emanate from within the poles, forming a loop-like pattern, evokes the idea of cyclical movement. The assemblage of the metal pieces mimics the nature of light itself, with a dense central core that gradually dissipates as it spreads outwards. The continuation of the cylindrical form as metal and light intertwine provides fluidity and connection, while the change in the nature of the material presents juxtaposition; an interplay between sharpness and softness, and the presence and absence of color. The cycle of light is inherently reliant on duality, exemplified by the relationship between day and night, summer and winter, and the full and new moon which are all intimately tied to transformation. Without this contrast, we would not fully appreciate the spectrum of light's effects and its impact on our perception of the world around us. In my sculpture, this duality is represented through its reflective nature, which allows for the true beauty of light to exist not only in the luminous parts of the sculpture, but also in the parts that absorb and reflect, much like the moon reflects the light of the sun. While functionality is a key aspect of the piece, I consider it a sculpture and myself an artist. Therefore, I find it important to note that everything I create is an extension of myself and the description would be lacking without an explanation of those aspects. Femininity, womanhood, and sexuality are themes frequently examined in my work. Thus, the intersection of those concepts and the lunar cycle intuitively merged in my piece. This connection is present in many cultures and traditions throughout history. In many societies, the moon has been seen as a symbol of femininity and the cyclical nature of the lunar phases has been associated with the female menstrual cycle. The waxing and waning of the moon's light have also been linked to the ebb and flow of emotions, and the moon has been seen as a powerful force that influences human behavior. The balance of metal and light is a representation of my own masculinity and femininity and the relationship of order and chaos is an internal expression of navigating through the previously mentioned emotions. The crescent shape of the backbone is also based on this inspiration. It is often used in depictions of the lunar cycle and has been associated with the feminine form. The moon goddesses of various mythologies have been portrayed as powerful and nurturing figures, the most notable among them being Selene, with whom I share a name. In addition, with regard to the given theme, I also wished to incorporate the concept of recycling. Recycling involves taking something that has reached the end of its useful life and transforming it into something new and valuable. This idea can be tied to the larger concept of rebirth. In terms of the cycle of light, this can refer to the life cycle of a product or material. The cycle of sustainability refers to the idea of reducing waste and conserving resources to create a more sustainable and equitable future. With these ideas in mind, I chose to utilize scrap metal as a way to showcase the potential for transformation and rebirth in discarded materials. By giving new life to something that would have otherwise been thrown away, I aimed to invite viewers to consider how their own actions can contribute to these cycles, and to reflect on how they can make more sustainable choices in their own lives. I hope that the artwork inspires others to think more deeply about the role of light and sustainability in our world. In conclusion, with "A Nocturne of Refraction and Rust", I aimed to capture the intricate conversation between light and life that echoes around us every day. Through the combination of metal and LED strips, I have created a sculpture that serves as a reminder of the cycle of light through themes of transformation, femininity, and sustainability. Ultimately, my intention is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and the vital role of light in shaping our world. As you contemplate this artwork, I invite you to consider your own relationship with light, nature, and the environment, and to think about how you can make a positive impact in your own life and the world around you.