In Summer of 2026, I embarked on a new project. I was looking for something to meet my requirements:

1) Must be fun
2) Must use AI
3) Must use Arduino/C/PLC
4) Ideally highlights interests in art, light, color & interactivity ("magic" possibilities)

The "Sea Turtle" aka LED panel was born. 

The vision was simple. I love Stained Glass and light fixtures which are interactive and/or have dynamic color effects. This would be an LED backed light fixture which was animation capable and had light diffusion features to make a (previously static) image 'come to life'.

I traced the shape of a sea turtle on foambord and cut it out and shaped them into roughly 2" tall walled structures to act as my 'frame' for the LED backed stained glass look. I found VELLUM paper which I had not discovered before and it diffuses light beautifully from 2-3" away.

Then I began constructing the LED wall.  I wanted something BIG so I shot for a 4'x4' fixture starting a strong flat surface (piece of plywood).

Then mapped out lines for the LED strips and began investigating and procuring components for suitable power and control at this scale. 

In the process of wiring/testing now. 

More details to come.. Stay tuned!