Attenuator (2021)

Predator trap(disarmed), Arduino with LCD shield, momentary button, PCB board, dimensional lumber, solar power battery pack.

Most everyone experiences intrusive thoughts, weird impulsive notions that we all recognize as bad ideas. You’re standing at the top of a tall building, and something in you says “You should jump.” You’re driving to a job you hate and a part of you keeps telling you to swerve into oncoming traffic. We ignore these voices, we know they’re wrong, but they’re still there. And they’re dangerous.

An attenuator reduces the strength of the signal channeled through it. My Attenuator is designed to capture intrusive thoughts and shrink them down into something manageable. Something that can be discussed safely. With each push of the button, with every number the participant counter adds, comes the recognition that it's not just you. It’s everyone else who has felt the pull towards that glowing red button, and decided to press it too.