An artificial life form prop I designed while working on Futuredude Entertainment film and television projects.

These were biomechanical artificial life forms suitable for exploring extreme environments alongside humans.

These were some of the inspirations from nature for the look of the body.

Next I looked for actual physical works that contained at least some elements of what we'd need. I also looked for materials and technologies we'd need for the physical props. I was fascinated to find the work of the artist Shoichiro Matsuoka, who's works use electro-luminescent wire embedded in silicone. I then found a suitable material for us; iridescent blue silicone.

Knowing the look we wanted would be possible in a physical prop, I went on to work out some mechanical issue. We wanted the biomechanical creatures to be capable of transforming from a sphere into a sort of centipede form, like a giant pillbug. I worked on designing the simplest skeleton that would make this workable.

On to the actual 'creature'. The basic form, silicone over metal skeleton.

Next, time for the embedded electroluminescent wires. I sent a number of options to the director.

With the chosen pattern incorporated...

...and folded into sphere.

They do in fact make for a very fine night light.

And with some final detailing.

Somewhat ironically, feedback among co-producers was that these were 'too alien' and I later designed entirely mechanical replacements.