Shifting Axis consists of a steel pendulum and a circular pile of fine silver sand. The trajectory of the pendulum is partly influenced by the rotation of the earth and partly manipulated by a mechanical system that constantly influences the course of the pendulum into a chaotic pattern.

This work is an alteration of the Foucault Pendulum, named for the French physicist Jean Foucault, who first used it in 1851 to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. It was the first satisfactory demonstration of the earth's rotation using laboratory apparatus rather than astronomical observations.

The mesmerizing movement is creating a constantly changing pattern. The metal point of the pendulum moving in the sand creates a captivating sound that enhances the almost hypnotic effects on its viewers.