The shape I keep returning to is the sphere (or orb). One of the ThoughtCounter participants instinctively drew a simple circle on their questionnaire when asked to represent a thought, completely unprompted.
The original logo-mark was built around concentric circles representing seven planes of consciousness. And when I look back through my recent artist research, the images that I’m drawn to most are almost always spherical.
The sphere is universally readable as a thought bubble, but it also suggests a membrane – something temporary, permeable, present only for a moment. In spiritual teachings, the auric field is described as a luminous bubble surrounding the body, expanding with awareness and dissolving under sustained attention. A thought is like that too.
For the next evolution of ThoughtCounter, I’m imagining a translucent or softly opaque structure – something with the gradients of a Turrell installation, where it’s not immediately obvious what’s going on inside. Made from a material that feels considered but lightweight so easily transportable. Placing this strange orb in random spots like a high street, park or up a mountain would surely draw attention and curiosity.
My next step is to research materials, understanding what’s technically possible before fixing the concept.
Bio-geometry design principles
30/03 update: I discussed my idea for developing the ThoughtCounter pop up with another one of my meditation teachers, Pim. He was enthused by the sphere shape and mentioned that the circle with a dot in the middle is a symbol of the Divine:
Pim then referenced bio-geometry, where the sphere is a principle element of sacred geometry.
I was really happy to hear this, the sphere definitely feels ‘right’ and this confirms it to some extent. I’m going to do more research into bio-geometry and it’s an area I can potentially explore further in my forthcoming research paper as part of the course.
Image sources:
https://www.spacecaviar.net/articles/far-after-oase-n-7
https://objectsofcommoninterest.com
https://www.instagram.com/spacetalk.ldn
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/buckminster-fuller-architecture
https://www.dreamideamachine.com/?p=55916
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/microscopic-images-show-artistry-of-cellular-life/10