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The Variation Series of Kinetic Sculptures

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I started the Variation series in 2003 with Variation Wind. It ended up being a series of 9 different designs all using the same drive
mechanism but different satellite wheels to generate a fascinating variety of patterns.

2003
Variation-Wind
Variation-Stars
Variation-Fire

2004
Variation-Surf
Variation-Water
Variation-Fractal

2006
Variation-Jazz

2007
Variation-Zen

2008
Variation-Dream

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The Beginning....Zylo

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Several sculptures and drawings that Marji made during her years as a student at Rhode Island School of Design started me thinking about wooden machines as sculptures. Here's a video showing some of her works and one of my first attempts at a moving piece c.1975.

 For more information on the history of Wood That Works and spring driven kinetic sculpture visit this link.

Kaleidoscopic Wow Factor

by Marji
 
Kaleidoscopic patterns have surfaced repeatedly in David’s work over the years starting with Kaleidoscope back in 1979. (He’s been at this that many years – amazing!) It is certainly apparent again in all the Variation series. An affinity to kaleidoscopes and all of the beautiful ones we've seen over the years continues to this day. Both David and I were taken by the cut paper designs of Jen Stark. The inspiration of the kaleidoscope is evident in her work as well.

Kinetic Sculptures Aren't Just for Adults

by Amy

When I was designing my son's nursery last year I knew that I wanted to include one of my Dad's pieces in the room. I thought the soft clicking would add some great white noise to the space. I had two pieces already. I had Nova hanging in the dining room and Pulsar was in a box in storage until I figured out where to put it. (We have been doing a lot of construction on the house over the past three years.) I really liked Pulsar for the space for two reasons: 1) It runs longer than Nova and 2) the fabric backer matched the color scheme I was planning for the room.

I'm really happy with how it looks in the room. We wind it up for Taylor for naptime and bedtime. He loves to watch and listen to it as he drifts off to sleep.