Elements - Water

Elements - Water

• Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

• Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

• One-of-a-kind • Sold

• Elements-Water © 2023

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Elements- Water, a kinetic sculpture by David C. Roy of Wood That Works, ©2023 David C. Roy

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:

Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.

Elements- Wind

Elements - Wind Specifications

• Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

• Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

• One-of-a-kind • Sold

• Elements-Wind © 2023

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Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:

Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

About the Sound:

The sculpture will make 1 soft click per revolution and a somewhat louder click periodically when the mechanism pushes the wheels.

How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.

Elements- Fire

Specifications:

• Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d

• Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

• One-of-a-kind • Sold

• Elements-Fire © 2023

Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:

Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.

At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub.  The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.

While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.

Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.

Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.

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How to wind this sculpture:

All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:

About the Sound:

The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.

Mingle

Limited Edition of 95

• Size: 23” w x 35” h x 6” d

• Approximate Run Time: 20+ Hours

• Price: $3900.00 - opening bid

• Limited Edition of 95

• Mingle © 2023

• To Purchase

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About Mingle

This sculpture combines two distinct patterning concepts, resulting in a unique and captivating design. While both of these patterns have appeared in my previous sculptures, I have never before combined them into a single 'patterning wheel'. The inspiration for this piece was serendipitous, as I was experimenting with nested arc patterns and decided to add a fan shape to see what would happen. I quickly sketched and animated some initial designs, and was excited by the results.

Over the course of several months, I explored many different combinations of the two forms, with the goal of achieving both physical balance and visual harmony. After building numerous prototypes with wheels of different sizes and mechanisms, I eventually settled on the current design, which I feel achieves the perfect balance between the two patterns.

As an artist, I find the mixture of optical patterns within the same sculpture to be particularly fascinating. The interplay between the two patterns creates a dynamic visual experience that keeps the eye and mind engaged. I hope that viewers will also find the piece to be engaging and enjoyable.

About the Sound:

The sculpture will make 1 soft click per revolution and a somewhat louder click periodically when the mechanism pushes the wheels.

Nexus Spiral

One-of-a-kind

• Size: 45” w x 55” h x 7” d

• Aproximate Run Time: 15 hours

• Price: $10,000. - Opening bid at future auction

• Nexus Spiral ©2021

• Sold

About Nexus Spiral:

I made Storm, Nexus Arc and Nexus Spiral all as part of the design challenge. This was an study I set for myself several years ago. I wanted to explore what would happen when I used the the same basic pattern of wheels moved with different mechanisms.

In Storm’s case I drove each pattern wheel independently creating an energetic chaotic pattern. For the Nexus sculptures I kept the 6 satellite patterning wheels synchronized using a completely different mechanism. This creates a calmer more relaxing pattern that draws you in and then releases you. It’s almost like breathing in a way. I find the Nexus designs very relaxing, almost meditative as the pattern starts out moving quickly and gently, over several minutes slows down and stops before getting another push and repeating the cycle.

During my computer animation studies for Nexus I could not decide if I wanted to use a spiral arm to connect the fan spokes or an arc. Both created patterns that were interesting. My indecision inspired me to make both! In all other aspects these 2 sculptures are the same. Can you see the difference? Does either speak louder to you?

Nexus Arc

• One-of-a-kind

• Size: 45” w x 55” h x 7” d

• Aproximate Run Time: 15 hours

• Price: $10,000. - Opening bid at future auction

• Nexus Arc ©2021

• Sold

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About Nexus Arc

One of my joys in semi-retirement is the time to fully explore new ideas. Nexus Arc is the second part of my exploration that started with the sculpture Storm released in 2021. With Storm I used 6 separate mechanisms to create a “stormy” mix of 6 independent elements. 

Nexus Arc is a study of what happens when I use 6 wheels set in a Storm’s radial pattern but synchronized. I incorporated a different mechanism to achieve this variation. The result is a completely different pattern that seems to collapse toward the center and then burst out again but all in a repeating and orderly fashion. The rotation starts out fairly rapidly but over the course of several minutes gradually slows down and finally stops and reverses. This reversal is the signal for the spring-based mechanism to give the entire assembly another push. The cycle time is long so during the beginning of the video I cut out 90 seconds of time so you can see both the start and end of the motion quickly. The video then continues and shows the full cycle. 

If you listen carefully you can hear 1 click per rotation and a louder click then the main push happens.

Nexus Arc creates endless evolving patterns as it moves. The still photos to the right shows three of its many different orientations.

Thunderbird

• One-of-a-kind

• Size: 31” w x 43” h x 6.5” d

• Approximate Run Time: 35 Hours

• Sold

• Thunderbird © 2016

• To Purchase

About Thunderbird:

I designed and built this sculpture in 2016. It was partially inspired by my sculpture Infinity but I wanted a pattern that was more complex. Infinity had a pattern that was fairly simple.  I designed a chaotic mechanism to drive the pattern in unpredictable ways. I wanted to try the inverse,  a more complex patterning wheel with a predictable drive mechanism. To this end I started playing with an inside out wheel where the spokes were asymmetrical. Asymmetrical wheels are harder to design because finding the balance point is not a simple matter of just finding center. The mass of each section of the wheel has to match its opposing section on the opposite side of the wheel, regardless of the shape of that particular section. I love this kind of challenge. It often reveals interesting patterns. 

I draw my parts in Adobe Illustrator and then animated them in Adobe After Effects. The calculation of center of mass is accomplished in a program no longer produced for the Mac called Working Model.  I use a vintage Mac to run this software and it still preforms admirably. 

The result was a new pattern that I really enjoyed. I decided to drive it with a double spring long running mechanism and live with it in our home. I like living with long running sculptures because my workday is filled with winding and I don’t need more at home. 

The more I watched it the more I wanted to share it. I decided to simplify the wheels a bit using fewer, somewhat thicker spokes and power it with a center drive mechanism. Eventually this became Duality which I introduced in 2017 and it became a collector favorite. 

So now it’s years later and although I still enjoy my long running Thunderbird it’s time to sell it and make room for some new designs. I’ve been doing a lot of designing since my “retirement” and I need the wall space!

Complexity 3

• One-of -a-kind

• Size: 32” w x 47” h x 6” d

• Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours

• Sold

• Complexity 3 © 2020

• To Purchase

About Complexity 3

My edition sculpture Boomerang was the result of a systematic study using patterns created by the swept-back spoke design. I’ve been experimenting with this type of pattern for years but never systematically. In my retirement I decided to take the time to do a more detailed study. In this phase of the study I varied the number of bends in the spoke; Complexity 1 has one bend followed by Complexity 2 with two bends and 3 bends in Complexity 3. My normal working method of studying computer animations was not definitive so I decided to make all three and compare them side by side. The time to do this is another luxury of retirement. Each sculpture had it’s own qualities and I liked them all. In the end we chose Complexity 1 to become Boomerang.  But…….

Complexity 2 and 3 are both fascinating sculptures so I’ve decided to sell them as one-of-a-kind sculptures. In the past I would have hung on to them for future editions but there are too many new ideas to try and not enough time to do it all.