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!

Gears Again • Very Kinetic

This mesmerizing machine appeared on Dug North's Automata website this week.  

It is noisy but the artist, Ronald Walters intended for it to be so. He has several interesting videos at his YouTube sight, all doing interesting things with wooden gears. He is right in that people love watching meshing gears.

Optical Illusion

Many of my sculptures create optical illusions.  Often patterns emerge that aren't really there. The following video is of a different type of optical illusion.  The creator uses the flattening of an image through video to fool the eye. Fascinating to watch.  

Krazy Kinetics • Worth a Smile

While neither of these posts today would qualify as kinetic "art" both would make anyone that enjoys kinetic art and sculpture stop and smile.  

The first video is definitely connected to the wonderful inventions of Rube Goldberg. I think most kinetic artists were drawn in by Rube Goldberg inventions and studied his cartoons in detail. In fact I have a hazy memory of one being printed every week in the Sunday comics . 

Relax, enjoy and laugh!

Thanks to B. Schrieber for sharing this video via Facebook.

I have shared other works by UK artist Brett Dickins here on this site before.  This one made me smile.

Thanks to Dug North at The Automata/Automaton Blog for the link.

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.