Spring Driven
Kinetic Art

Limited Edition of 9
Size:  50"h x 52"w x7"d
Power Source:  negator spring
Approx. Run Time:  16 hours

Variation-Fractal ©2004
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Variation-Fractal is the final design of the 2004 Variation series. In this piece I've been exploring the "reverse gear" effect that occurs at the center of the upper wheel assembly. I experimented with a number of forms before settling on the spiral form. I liked the way the "reverse gear" constantly changed form through the period of the motion.

My daughter Karen named this piece almost immediately after seeing it. I thought the name was a good fit even though I was not thinking of fractals when I was designing it.

The Variation series is the result of my continued exploration in the world of kinetic patterns created by six overlapping wheels that orbit a common center. Each orbiting form is designed to hold a particular orientation by rotating in the opposite direction from its orbital motion. I first "discovered" this kaleidoscopic effect in my sculpture called Rhapsody, took it a step further with Quark Cotillion and got serious about exploring this effect with the Variation series. Fractal is the sixth sculpture in this series.