Gyration • A Kinetic Variation


David has just posted a new design on his website called Gyration.  He will be sending out a mailing about it in the next day or two but we are letting the blog subscribers aware of it in advance. This is just a little heads up for those of you that regularly share our ramblings.





Gyration is a variation on Cognition.  Both are designs that use the visual interest of cog shapes in their motion wheels. Gyration is half a Cognition and the motion is less chaotic, more of a dance. Gyration is also wall mounted where as Cognition is a free standing design. It does share the long run time of Cognition clocking in at about 24 hours on a winding.

Making Things Move • A Book for Artists

 

Yesterday I received one of those emails from Amazon suggesting products I might be interested in. There was a link to this book by Dustyn Roberts.

Making Things Move • DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists and Artists

How did this not cross my radar earlier and Oh My! How knowledgable Amazon is becoming.  

Dustyn Roberts teaches a course at NYU called "Mechanism and Things that Move" in the Interactive Telecommunications Department.  She explains in a video on Amazon that the course is for artists that have no engineering or mechanical back ground but want to make sculptures that move. Not only has she created this written resource, she has also started a blog site to support the book.  It includes a resource area to assist you in completing the various projects included in the book.  

David and I are very excited to see this book. Nearly everyday David receives emails from folks all over the globe wanting help in creating kinetic sculptures. David has tried through this blog and his website to share some of his knowledge and to provide resources for others that want to create. He strongly encourages other to experiment, play, observe motion. It was through those activities that David gained the understanding of motion required to create new ideas. Through the years David has come to realize that being a skilled kinetic sculptor doesn't guarantee that you will also be a skilled teacher. Although David is pleased to have so many take inspiration from is work, at this point in his career he doesn't have enough time to both be a kinetic sculptor and learn to be an effective teacher. He doesn't rule that out in the future.  But right now he is busy designing, building, and creating.  

If you are inspired to make things move, please visit David's links page. There is a plethora of resources to help you get started. And now I have added one more, Making Things Move by Dustyn Roberts.

Moiré Patterns in Kinetic Design

 

I have often created moiré patterns with the wheels in my kinetic sculptures. Shimmer and Illusion are two strong examples. Artist Jakob Bue of Denmark recently posted this video on YouTube which takes the creation of these interference patterns to an entirely new level.


Here is a link to an interactive website that allows you to experiment with variables in order to create different types of moiré patterns. By using the arrow keys and mouse along with the controls on the screen you can create incredible patterning effects. You probably can't stay at the website for long before your eyes and stomach start going wonky!

 

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Small World....even in Kinetic Sculpture

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The Internet and social media regularly remind us how small our world has become.  I received an interesting email this past week which circled it all back home.  It came from another kinetic sculptor, Chris Fitch from the Boston, MA area. He first found out about my work from Idea Factory in New Orleans and recently discovered that we are in neighboring states. We also learned that we come from the same home town and attended the same high school although at different times. Yes, it is a small, small world. 

Here are some examples of some of Chris' kinetic sculptures and, (because what is a kinetic piece without motion), a YouTube video of one of them.   

Spring • 2010

 

Sometimes Cube • 2007

 

 

Chris also shared that he, along with Arthur Ganson and Tom Haney, both noted kinetic sculptors, are part of a group show "Moves Me" opening April 28th at the Axiom Gallery in Boston. The gallery has limited hours so check the website before planning a visit. Below is the announcement for the show from their website.  Should be a great show and an opening worth attending. Marji and I are looking forward to seeing what is new in kinetic sculpture in New England.

The Axiom Gallery is located at the corner of Green and Armory Streets in Jamaica Plain. It is on the ground floor level of the Green Street train stop on the Orange line. 141 Green Street. Jamaica Plain, MA.