I break things. On purpose. Old toys, computers, motor scooters- anything that falls under my indiscriminate screwdriver quickly spreads out over my workbench. Inspired by the hidden anatomy of these devices, I spend hours disassembling, examining, tinkering, and sometimes repairing, other people’s technological trash. Driven by sheer curiosity, I have explored the fields of electronics, mechanics, and computer science. I break. I repair. And most of all, I feed my insatiable appetite for practical knowledge.

I am fascinated by everyday technology. For instance, a computer disc drive (the familiar plastic tray that slides out to receive CDs) entertains me with its possibilities. I press the button over and over again, merely because the clever design and the smooth motion amuse me. During my most recent button-pushing spree, however, I began to wish for more functionality from this dearly undervalued piece of hardware. Predictably, that night found me taking apart a dysfunctional computer; finally, I extracted the disc drive. During the following weeks, I began constructing a robot- built entirely around my salvaged disc drive. The robot, now nearing completion, rolls around on tank tracks and avoids obstacles and, my favorite feature of all, can pick up objects using a metal claw I built from an old Erector set. All of the electronics are housed inside the metal case of the disc drive- and the claw moves using the original mechanism. Another transformation complete, I will continue my exploration of modern technology- from the inside out.

I am uncertain as to when I first began breaking things, but I have never stopped. And my hands-on experience has paid dividends- these days, I fix almost as much as I break. I am ever more inventive and curious. My current pursuits satisfy my personal interests- but someday I may be a scientist, an engineer, or a designer. And although I have not yet decided how to bridge the gap between my present creative deconstruction and my future career, I know the bridge will be unique. Innovative. And, though I can only guess at its composition, made entirely by hand.