How many times have you looked at an object and thought, “Is this a toy, a piece of art, or math you can actually touch?” If your answer is “never,” it’s time you met Helicone.
Helicone is a strange kind of beauty. You pick it up, give it a little twist, and in one smooth, almost magical motion, it shifts from a helix into a pine cone. Spin it the other way, and it gracefully morphs back. Sounds simple, but when you see it move, you’re genuinely mesmerized. It feels like nature, math, and design got together and said, “Here, put this on your desk and feel better.”
Helicone is Not Just a Toy
The first time I played with Helicone, I thought, “Whoa.” It’s not a fidget spinner. It’s not a desktop Zen garden either. It’s something else. It’s playful, sure—but with each spin, it quietly teaches you something about the world. The way leaves spiral on a branch, how flowers bloom, how nature follows patterns—it’s all in there.
That’s no coincidence. Helicone’s design is based on the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio. Behind it all is John Edmark, a designer who wants people to feel math, not just learn it. The sculpture consists of 38 laser-cut wooden pieces mounted on a brass rod, but the final effect feels so natural it’s like you plucked it off the forest floor.
Honestly? It doesn’t need to be “useful.” Let it live on your desk. Pick it up when you’re thinking. Spin it between Zoom calls. Show it to a curious kid. It’s weirdly addictive. Somehow, spinning Helicone calms your brain and sparks your curiosity at the same time.
Beyond being interactive, Helicone is just plain beautiful. The warm wood tones, the smooth brass, the elegant spirals—it fits in anywhere. And the included stand? It gives it that “I’m not just a toy, I’m art” kind of vibe.
You can find Helicone on Amazon or on Art of Play. If you want the premium museum-gift-shop vibe, check out the MoMA Design Store. It’s not super cheap, but considering the craftsmanship and the experience, it’s totally worth it.
In short, when you hold a Helicone, you’re holding a piece of nature transformed through math and design. It’s not quite a toy, not quite a sculpture—but it somehow taps into something very human.
So if you want a little nature, a little math, and a lot of “whoa” on your desk, give Helicone a spin.
