“Eco Anti-Stress Gadget” – that’s the name of the project that Jan Gonciarz won third prize in the 7R “Warehouse of Art: Young Art for the Planet” competition in the eco-gadget category. The winner tells us how the idea of using stress—for example, to charge a smartphone—came about.
Can you tell us what inspired your competition entry?
Jan Gonciarz: The natural environment is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. During the design phase, drawing—and seeking out the tension and shapes in the silhouettes of animals or plants—has a decisive influence on the final appearance of my products. The issue of energy consumption is important to me, and it inspired me in the design of this gadget. Additionally, now that we are grappling with an unstable fuel and energy market, ideas that help conserve or generate energy through alternative means are highly relevant and in demand. The design of this anti-stress gadget is based on converting the repetitive motion of the hand—which helps one focus and think creatively—into electrical energy. And this energy, in turn, allows you to charge a smartphone, for example. Analyzing the competition guidelines helped me identify the target audience. I decided to create an item for people who bear a great deal of responsibility.
How does the Eco Anti-Stress Gadget?
After conducting tests and preliminary research, I observed just how much peace of mind a repetitive physical activity can provide. Based on the operation of a Singer sewing machine, I noticed how a simple task—performed, for example, with the foot or hand—can stimulate the mind to focus fully on a given problem. The second fairly common phenomenon I examined is reduced physical activity. I decided to give the product the function of a wrist exercise tool by adding a flywheel mechanism connected to a small power generator. The electricity generated by squeezing charges the power bank. In this way, energy often driven by emotions is converted into electrical energy. When squeezing the gadget, you can feel a pleasant resistance and slight vibrations caused by the movement of the mechanism.
How important are nature and the natural environment in your work?
I am drawn to natural materials—and so is my work—especially wood. It is an eco-friendly and very noble material that brings people closer to nature. It is extremely important to treat it with respect and use it thoughtfully. This means minimizing waste during processing, taking into account the unique characteristics of each piece of wood, and ensuring that each element is crafted with care and skill. Such practices ensure durability and comfort of use.
Can artists influence people's awareness of the need to care for the planet?
Artists are a diverse group of people with a wide range of skills. One doesn’t have to look far to find examples of art that engages with a variety of topics: political, ideological, and those related to the climate crisis. When considering traditional art forms, their work tends to focus on fostering dialogue and raising awareness of environmental issues; however, design—as a field that bridges art and industry—has the potential to directly influence the climate crisis. The more projects that respect the climate and the resources available to industry, the easier it will be for businesses and consumers to make choices that are good for the planet.
About the Warehouse of Art Competition
The 7R competition, “Warehouse of Art: Young Art for the Planet,” was open to students and graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Its theme was “Technology. Ecology. Human. Coexistence.” The competition task was to create an eco-themed applied art project in one of three categories: an ergonomic seat, a mural for a fire hydrant, and an eco-friendly 7R gadget. A total of 26 entries were submitted to the competition. The winners’ works are available at7rwarehouseofart.pl.
