Calligraphy Prequel

Calligraphy Prequel Specifications

  • Size: 40” w x 54” h x 7” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 3 Hours

  • Not for Sale

Click here to view the final Calligraphy page.

About Calligraphy Prequel:

In a sense I’ve been working on Calligraphy since 1989 when I stumbled across a fairly crude way to produce a double pendulum motion in a sculpture called Serpentine.

I loved the dynamic motion but I didn’t understand why it only happened at unpredictable times followed by boring periods of simple rotations with the front S form just hanging in a fairly fixed orientation. My mechanism designs of the time were weight driven and quite simple. They didn’t leave me a lot of room for experimenting. I eventually got Serpentine to work fairly well but then moved on to creating more predictable patterning sculptures. Over the years I occasionally played around with double pendulums trying to figure out how to get some control over the motion but gave up when a new unrelated idea came along. I have lots of ideas and have to admit I often gravitated to the ones that I was confident I could master in a reasonable time. 

A couple years ago I “retired” and stopped taking orders for future delivery. This freed me to take all the time I needed to explore more complicated ideas. It is a pretty ideal work balance for me. Periods of intense study and design followed by just letting my brain rest and my hands work making sculptures where I’ve already solved the problems!

That’s a long way around to saying that one of the first projects I wanted to explore was creating chaotic motion sculptures. Chaos is my first piece of this design period, Calligraphy is the second. They are very different sculptures but both exhibit chaotic motion. 

Chaos motion is created and controlled by a spring driven mechanism that only engages when the pendulums slow down a bit. This keeps the amount of energy added to the system more controlled. It is fairly quiet and long running as is the goal with most of my sculptures. 

In Calligraphy I was going for the full Serpentine effect where both “pendulums” can rotate completely around their axis and the “free” pendulum can rotate in either direction. It ended up taking more than a year with lots of up and downs. This is a constantly driven double pendulum system. Eventually it accumulates enough energy to recreate the chaotic dance I first saw more than 40 years ago. 

I would not call this a relaxing sculpture. I had to give up some run time and accept a higher noise level to get the motion I wanted. Still at 3 hours it runs about 6 times longer than my original Serpentine and is a good bit quieter so I did make some progress! Chaotic motion is by definition unpredictable which is what makes it so much fun to have in a kinetic sculpture. That same fact also makes it frustrating for someone like me who seeks to understand it better intuitively. I now have a better grasp of what type of energy levels are required to make fun things happen. But to say I’ve gained a real understanding would be inaccurate. Lots more to explore! 

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Shasta

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Specifications:

  • Size: 31” in diameter

  • Approximate Run Time: 10 Hours

  • Price: $3900 - opening bid

  • Edition 0f 49

  • Shasta ©2023

  • To Purchase

About Shasta:

With the luxury of retirement, I've discovered more time to indulge my passion for problem solving and design, or what I like to call "play." Up until now my center wind sculptures have adhered to a common mechanism, generating consistent torque for their motion. This mechanism was effective for sculptures like Vice Versa and Duality, where opposing wheel movements were essential and the extra torque vital. However, its performance fell short for sculptures like Shasta and all Kindala types, where the slow gradual variation in rotational speed crafts the intricate patterns. This is why previous versions of Kindala like Celebration and Forest have used external winding mechanisms.

This challenge had occupied my thoughts for a while until I finally found a solution—a compact reduction pulley system discreetly positioned behind the patterning wheels. This innovation slashed torque by nearly half, making it the ideal drive for Kindala-style sculptures. Winding became effortless and I could engineer it to deliver the precise amount of torque needed. The only missing piece was a fresh pair of patterning wheels attuned to this mechanism.

My creative process consisted of crafting countless animated sketches, each exploring diverse patterns. Among them, one stood out: Shasta (though its name materialized later). What sets Shasta apart is the incorporation of dual layers of curved paired spokes for each wheel. This unique approach not only results in a captivating "bloom," but also gives birth to an unprecedented radial optical effect as the pattern dynamically unfolds.

I have dropped the Kindle prefix from its name but Shasta is of the Kindala series. My hope is that Shasta brings you as much joy as it has brought me in designing and building it.

 

Shasta on display in a room setting -

Elements - Earth

Elements-Earth Specifications

  • Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

  • One-of-a-kind • Sold

  • Elements-Earth © 2023

Elements -Earth, a Kinetic Sculpture by David C. Roy of Wood That Works - ©2023 David C. Roy

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:


Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.




Elements - Water

Elements - Water

  • Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

  • One-of-a-kind • Sold

  • Elements-Water © 2023

Elements- Water, a kinetic sculpture by David C. Roy of Wood That Works, ©2023 David C. Roy

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:



Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.



Elements- Wind

Elements - Wind Specifications

  • Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

  • One-of-a-kind • Sold

  • Elements-Wind © 2023

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:

Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

About the Sound:

The sculpture will make 1 soft click per revolution and a somewhat louder click periodically when the mechanism pushes the wheels.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.

Elements- Fire

Specifications:

  • Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

  • One-of-a-kind • Sold

  • Elements-Fire © 2023

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:

Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:


About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.

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Mingle

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Limited Edition of 95

  • Size: 23” w x 35” h x 6” d

  • Approximate Run Time: 20+ Hours

  • Price: $3900.00 - opening bid

  • Limited Edition of 95

  • Mingle © 2023

  • To Purchase

About Mingle

This sculpture combines two distinct patterning concepts, resulting in a unique and captivating design. While both of these patterns have appeared in my previous sculptures, I have never before combined them into a single 'patterning wheel'. The inspiration for this piece was serendipitous, as I was experimenting with nested arc patterns and decided to add a fan shape to see what would happen. I quickly sketched and animated some initial designs, and was excited by the results.

Over the course of several months, I explored many different combinations of the two forms, with the goal of achieving both physical balance and visual harmony. After building numerous prototypes with wheels of different sizes and mechanisms, I eventually settled on the current design, which I feel achieves the perfect balance between the two patterns.

As an artist, I find the mixture of optical patterns within the same sculpture to be particularly fascinating. The interplay between the two patterns creates a dynamic visual experience that keeps the eye and mind engaged. I hope that viewers will also find the piece to be engaging and enjoyable.

About the Sound:

The sculpture will make 1 soft click per revolution and a somewhat louder click periodically when the mechanism pushes the wheels.

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Nexus Spiral

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One-of-a-kind

  • Size: 45” w x 55” h x 7” d

  • Aproximate Run Time: 15 hours

  • Price: $10,000. - Opening bid at future auction

  • Nexus Spiral ©2021

  • Sold

About Nexus Spiral:

I made Storm, Nexus Arc and Nexus Spiral all as part of the design challenge. This was an study I set for myself several years ago. I wanted to explore what would happen when I used the the same basic pattern of wheels moved with different mechanisms.

In Storm’s case I drove each pattern wheel independently creating an energetic chaotic pattern. For the Nexus sculptures I kept the 6 satellite patterning wheels synchronized using a completely different mechanism. This creates a calmer more relaxing pattern that draws you in and then releases you. It’s almost like breathing in a way. I find the Nexus designs very relaxing, almost meditative as the pattern starts out moving quickly and gently, over several minutes slows down and stops before getting another push and repeating the cycle.

During my computer animation studies for Nexus I could not decide if I wanted to use a spiral arm to connect the fan spokes or an arc. Both created patterns that were interesting. My indecision inspired me to make both! In all other aspects these 2 sculptures are the same. Can you see the difference? Does either speak louder to you?