Laser Cutting ~ Floating Mandalas








































I recently came across the term "tensegrity".

From Wikipedia:
Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression is a structural principle based on a system of isolated components under compression inside a network of continuous tension, and arranged in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other while the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially. The term was coined by Buckminster Fuller in the 1960s as a portmanteau of "tensional integrity". The other denomination of tensegrity, floating compression, was used mainly by the constructivist artist Kenneth Snelson.

There are countless examples of folks using this principle - in everything from bridges, sculpture, and lego.

So of course, I just had to try it out...

I had been playing with mandala images, and thought that they would be a perfect accompaniment for a tensegrity project.

But really, how could I pass up the opportunity to make a floating portable hole?