Transitional Rituals
A kit for the Oneirophobe
A kit for the Oneirophobe
This kit was designed to be used by someone with oneirophobia, or the fear of dreaming. Oneirophobes fear all dreams, not only nightmares. Many of them state that they are disturbed by the idea that while dreaming they are believing something illusory is reality. They are afraid to let go of reality and feel betrayed by the falseness of dreams. They suffer sleep deprivation because they avoid sleeping whenever possible.
This kit acts as a set of illusionary household items that the user will encounter as part of their bedtime ritual, preparing them to transition into the surreal world of dreams. It connects the two experiences of waking and dreaming into a seamless routine, allowing them to slowly ease into "unreality".
This kit acts as a set of illusionary household items that the user will encounter as part of their bedtime ritual, preparing them to transition into the surreal world of dreams. It connects the two experiences of waking and dreaming into a seamless routine, allowing them to slowly ease into "unreality".
Step One in Bedtime ritual: Anamorphic kettle
As the user approaches the kettle, the anamorphic image on the base is seen reflected in it. It distorts and disappears as they pour hot water into their tea (perhaps something herbal that aids in relaxation and sleep). When they place it back on the base, the image appears again.
This starts the process into illusion - they see a distorted pattern that becomes a clear image only as a reflection. The image is surrealist in nature, the better to prepare for the surreal nature of dreams.
As the user approaches the kettle, the anamorphic image on the base is seen reflected in it. It distorts and disappears as they pour hot water into their tea (perhaps something herbal that aids in relaxation and sleep). When they place it back on the base, the image appears again.
This starts the process into illusion - they see a distorted pattern that becomes a clear image only as a reflection. The image is surrealist in nature, the better to prepare for the surreal nature of dreams.
Detail of the anamorph reflected in the kettle.
The surrealist graphic image used in the anamorphic base.
The french sentence translates as "This is not a dream" referencing surrealist artist Magritte while also being a reminder that one can experience things that seem unreal while awake.
The french sentence translates as "This is not a dream" referencing surrealist artist Magritte while also being a reminder that one can experience things that seem unreal while awake.
Step Two: Impossible Toothbrush Holder
When the user picks up their toothbrush, they see it in an illusory holder that uses mirrors to make it appear as if the holder is empty even though one can see that it holds the tooth brush.
When the user picks up their toothbrush, they see it in an illusory holder that uses mirrors to make it appear as if the holder is empty even though one can see that it holds the tooth brush.
Step Three: Floating Dot Pillow
This has an optical illusion printed on it. As one looks at the pattern, there appear to be dots coming in and out of existence between the squares. The user knows that what they are seeing can't really be there, but it is impossible for them to look at the pillow without seeing them.
This has an optical illusion printed on it. As one looks at the pattern, there appear to be dots coming in and out of existence between the squares. The user knows that what they are seeing can't really be there, but it is impossible for them to look at the pillow without seeing them.
Step Four: Two-Faced Bedside Lamp
This lamp was inspired by the classic optical illusion of a drawing that can appear to be either a vase/goblet or two identical faces looking at each other, depending on whether one focuses on the negative or positive space.
This lamp was inspired by the classic optical illusion of a drawing that can appear to be either a vase/goblet or two identical faces looking at each other, depending on whether one focuses on the negative or positive space.
..and now the oneirophobe is ready for sleep and entering the world of dreams.
DEVELOPMENT:
Sketches, ideas, experiments, research
Sketches, ideas, experiments, research
Experiments with mirrors and creating illusions with them
Sorting out how to make an anamorphic shape that works with this kettle.
