The Kinetic Art of Willem van Weeghel

I recently have been found staring in total concetration at my computer screen as I watch a video of the work of Willem van Weeghel. van Weeghel of The Netherlands approaches kinetic sculpture from several different directions including both wall pieces and free-standing work but the piece that has captured my time is made up of simple lines. I am mezmerized by the unfolding patterns in his piece title "Dynamic Structure 29117 2007-2010".

Kinetic Art - Dynamic Structure 29117 2007-2010 from Willem van Weeghel on Vimeo.

The pace of the video and the pieces is rather slow but it is worth the wait. The geometry that unfolds from computer controlled lines as they move is fascinating and relaxing to watch. The precision is truly something. Here are a few screen shots of changing shapes.

It is made up of 32 independent moving lines that seem to be carefully choreographed. He defines his work in the following way.

Movement is the central means of expression in my work. The changing structures that appear move in the transitional area between chaos and order, between variability and uniformity, between volatility and consistency. As a reconciliation of opposites.

There are a variety of videos on vimeo showcasing his work.  If you got some time to spare, visit the site here and check them out.

Isaac Newton vs. Rube Goldberg - Kinetic Fun

2dHouse takes pride in doing Rube Goldberg machines right. David and I are always fans of a good Rube Goldbderg contraption and I have shared a number here on this blog including......

• Rube Goldberg Contraption Page Turner by Joseph Herschner
• Rube Goldberg Inspires Another Machine - Melvin the Mini Machine  by HeyHeyHey
• Krazy Kinetics • Worth A Smile

But this new one crossed my screen via Colassal. It combines creative kinetics with skilled cinematography to create a hilarious short video well worth watch over coffee break.  Enjoy the work of 2dHouse.

2dHouse has clearly spent some time doing this. They have a whole section of their website dedicated to Rube Goldberg contraptions, some done as in house projects to learn new techniques and others as advertisements. All are incredible in their blend of ingenuity with motion. 

Vollis Simpson • Whirligigs and Whatnots

At age 93, Vollis Simpson has a few years on me but we've both been creating kinetic art for over thirty years. His style, materials and approach are very different from mine but I am fairly sure we'd have a lot of common interests to discuss if we ever meet.

Photo Credit Jeremy Lange for New York Times

Mr. Simpson was a machinist and, after he retired, he put his skills to use creating a farm full of whimsical whirligigs. His acrege in Lucama, NC has become an unofficial tourist attraction as people travel to experience the crop of kinetic sculptures growing in his yard. 

Photo Credit Jeremy Lange for New York Times 

The New York Times did a special article about him in 2010. In it, they refer to him as a "self-taught practitioner, now known by the dressed up names of outsider art or visionary art." Hmmm. Is that how they'd catagorize me?

The nearby town of Wilson, NC is working to create an in-town sculpture park for Mr. Simpson's sculptures.  An organization has been set-up to maintain the work and park for others to enjoy. 

Marji and I plan to go on a USA roadtrip sometime in the next year. Together we bicycled across the country back in 1972 and have wanted to revisit so much of it. We are researching sculpture parks and other sites of kinetic interest for us to explore. I expect we'll swing through Wilson and Lacama, NC and try to meet up with Mr. Simpson for a conversation.

Photo Credit: Big Bang Studio

Kinetic Sculptures on Pinterest

Pinterest is a social network for sharing and organizing images. It is a tool for collecting the beautiful or inspirational things you find on the web. I have started a Pinterest site especially for kinetic art. In it I have boards to organize images of my work, the work of other kinetic artists, and inspirational ideas.  Like Facebook, you can follow me on Pinterst and see the things I find and pin.

This site is broader than just completed kinetic art. I have boards on inspiring shapes. They might find their way in a wheel design someday. I have a board on whimsical kinetics just for fun but also one on kinetic toys, which is an expanding spot for gift ideas! I doubt that I would ever wear any kinetic jewlery but I am collecting ideas there. Perpetual motion is always a fun concept and I collect pins of ideas exploring that concept. My Pinterest site is becoming a clipboard of ideas.

You have to be a member to view Pinterest but for those of you interested in visual things on the web, I recommend joining. If you follow me, you'll see the new things I have pinned when you check in to see the pins of those you are following. If you also start a Pinboard in the kinetic relm, let me know and I'll follow that as well.

Here is a link to my Pinterest site. http://pinterest.com/davidroy/

Here is a link to the main Pinterst page for signing up: https://pinterest.com/join/signup/

New Wood That Works Web Site Coming

We have been extremely quiet here on the blog for the last couple of months. It isn't because we aren't working or creating content. You just aren't seeing it yet. We have been putting long hours into creating an entirely new Wood That Works web site and blog. We anticipate going live within the next month and are working on a launch plan now. We hope that the new site will be more intuitive and easier to navigate. Some of the new content will include many new videos of some of David's earliest designs, and an updated and expanded history and techniques area. Here is a sneak peek!

So stay tuned!