BY MARTIN LENCLOS

Self-Questioning Devices

For creative thinkers like me, I envisioned an artistic practice that would also be a spiritual one: creating art and objects destined to remind us to meditate, return to our practice, provide release from worldly attachments, or simply offer acceptance of what is.

Self-questioning devices offer a spiritual practice as much for the maker as for the art buyer: they are artistic and conceptual objects created as signposts to true vision.

Practicing nondual spirituality requires engaging in self-inquiry. I started imagining things that would prompt us to question our self-concept and challenge our perception of reality.

The illustration made by Martin Lenclos represents a mise-en-scene of an interior, with self-questioning devices, objects designed to bring the mind back to spiritual consciousness

Overview

When possible, I produce art prints and furniture that facilitate consciousness awakening. I reimagine everyday objects and furniture as catalysts for emotional engagement, introspective reflection, and spiritual journey reminders through thoughtful design modifications. Employing a diverse language that spans from traditional to conceptual art, allows me to obscure the objects' original functions and foster interactive experiences.

This process is guided by the 'Design for Nothing' mind-training approach, which I was inspired to develop to make space for oneness in our daily life, and now use to train others. Each introspective creation challenges our perception of reality, encouraging us to move beyond conventional viewpoints, delve into self-discovery, and emerge from the illusion of time and space. When entering your field of view, a piece becomes not just an object but a transformative tool. It offers an opportunity for rapid object-focused meditation or the recitation of a mantra, such as 'piece of mind', as a pathway to inner peace.

To those not on a spiritual path, these everyday objects, impractical, or even faulty, may appear as merely conceptual art. Yet, observers might naturally then engage in self-questioning meditation, partake in meaningful conversations, or maintain healthy skepticism. When one begins to inquire or simply admits their uncertainty, this process promotes awareness of the present moment and awakens the sleepwalking mind.

Scroll down to view sketches representative of this concept. You may also find in the L’Enclos online store some sketches that have been produced into objects or furniture pieces. The sale of the art funds our research.

The illustration invites the need to surrender the world and let go of attachments, in the spiritual design inspired digital painting by L'Enclos
Martin Lenclos's chair from the Valley Series is a typical self-questioning device for the spiritual practitioner.

Let go of the world.

Explore Martin Lenclos's art →
Objects in a minimalist space that question our reality with spiritual design by L'Enclos
'Topography of a Split Mind' serves as a reminder of our collective existence within the One Mind, reflecting the principle of interconnectedness

Spiritual Design: Progressing

At L'Enclos, we're propelling a transformative journey, harnessing the power of design to repurpose ordinary objects from their original functions to act as signposts for your spiritual practice, transcending their simple existence as products as you journey toward awakening your consciousness. We achieve this by investing in research, design, engineering, and the fabrication of more devices. Take a course with us and explore your innate creativity.

 Reach out to learn more →

Project Types
Furniture, Design Objects, Household Items

Materials
Ceramic, Wood, Metal, Glass, Concrete

The Fallen Lamp is a concept for a self-questioning device that L'Enclos is proposing to develop. Its purpose is to create disturbance and awaken sleeping minds from the illusion of time and space.
The Cherry Blossom Fire Matches are part of a series of match designs that captivate with their simultaneous display of impracticality and beauty. They serve to momentarily awaken you from the illusions of the world and the roles we play.
From the Potish series, this terracotta ceramic jar, designated as 011, serves as a self-questioning device specifically designed for the spiritual practitioner.
Deep dive into our Search for Truth with the essay.