Clock or Sculpture? Both!

People occasionally ask David if his sculptures tell time. They don't but there are many who do make clocks and some even make clocks that qualify as kinetic sculpture. Here is a beautiful example by Sander Mulder, a designer from the Netherlands.

This finally crafted functional object would be a kinetic sculpture on the wall as the hands continuously dance in changing patterns. The telling of time would be neither analog or digital but sculptural. The mechanical elements are beautiful as well. 

This clock is being created in a limited edition of 40 plus 1 artist's proof.

For those that want a kinetic kit

David doesn't make kits or plans for his sculptures and I understand why.  The fine-tuning phase that goes into to every design is something that can't be put into a kit. And we encourage creativity in others. But for those that enjoy creating from kits, I just found out about one for a mini Theo Jansen wind-powered walking machine from Dug North on the Automata Blog. 

According to the blog Three Steps Over Japan Gakken released this kit to coincide with an exhibit on Theo Jansen at the Tokyo Mirakan in Japan. You can try to order the kit from Gakken's online store. I haven't found an english version yet.

David recently received a tip from a visiting collector about a book written by Theo Jansen about his magnificent kinetic work. The book,  Theo Jansen: The Great Pretender is available from Amazon although it is rare and you do need to wait for it.  We waited well over a month for David's copy. We were told it would be 3 months but did indeed show up much sooner.  He is currently reading it and finding it fascinating.  The book includes a dvd filled with additional information, interviews and descriptions by Jansen on the process of making his roaming beasts.

I have always listed Theo Jansen in my artist's links but for those that aren't familar with his work here is a very often watched YouTube video of his beasts in motion.

Enjoy!

Intricate and Organic • A different approach to kinetic sculpture

While my work is mechanical in nature, viewers often see organic similarities. Check out the work of Washington artist Casey Curran. Casey has taken organic to an entirely new level. Fascinating to watch

The White Series (biosphere) from casey curran on Vimeo.

Visit Casey's website for additional information and more videos.

Kinetic Commuting - or not!

For nine long months back in 1974-75 I held a job that included a hectic rush hour commute. That (combined with the fact that I had to wear a necktie) were two of the fundamental pushes behind the creation of Wood That Works. 

Today my commute is a leisurely 500 foot meander along a wooded path to my studio. I regularly race with white tail deer along the way. The commute is especially crowded during the spring when the fawns are still young and spotted. You can understand why I paused for a moment of thanks when I saw the work of kinetic artist Chris Burden entitled Metropolis II. It made me smile.  I'd love to see this sculpture in person.

Laudenslager Kinetic Sculpture

The kinetic sculpture field does have a lot a variety. Over the years my work has evolved into a very specific genre.  I have found that motion has so many variables, I need to limit things like material and finish in order to explore motion in depth.

It is exciting for me to discover the work of other kinetic artists that have integrated motion with entirely different materials, scale and results.  Here are some links to the work of Jeffery Laundenslager.  Very graceful!