How do they move?
Hamsters! Not really. Each of my kinetic sculptures is a wooden machine powered by a constant force spring which must be wound. While visually interesting sculptures when still, they become truly fascinating when in motion. After a simple winding they entertain with motion and soft sounds for varying lengths of time. Increasing run times has always been a goal. Some will run for 1 1/2 hours while others keep moving for up to 15 hours! That is quite an increase over my original designs which stopped after 20 minutes.
Click here for more information on my use of constant force springs.
My earliest work was powered by descending weights. I have also designed several electric pieces.
What type of wood do I use?
Solid birch plywood is the main material in the sculptures. It is a solid hardwood plywood with the interior plys being of as high a quality of wood as the surface veneers. I use a plywood verses a plain hardwood because of its stability. For the sculptures to keep moving in all environments, the wood must be as stable as possible. This type of plywood is imported from the Baltic region either from Finland or Russia.
What is a Limited Edition?
My designs are made by me in limited editions. That means I only make a predetermined number and no more. I sign each piece and number it. My large editions are of 150. Others have only 36 and some designs are one-of-a-kind. The smaller the edition, the more a sculpture costs because design time is a significant factor in the creation of each piece. I limit the edition to maintain the value for collectors but also to allow for variety. I have many, many design ideas and only so many hours and I need a change.
Where do the ideas come from?
I don't know. There always seems to be something new to try and one thing just leads to another. The piece I end up building is usually nothing like my original idea.
Click here to get additional information about the history and techniques I use.
Check out my blog for a series of blog posts detailing how one idea arrived and was developed.
How long does it take to design a new sculpture?
I'm always designing so it's hard to say. Some design ideas have been bumping around in my head for years and sometimes something new will pop up and I'll have a working model in just a few days.
Do your sculptures tell time?
No, my mechanisms remind many people of clockworks. That's not surprising because they are escapements. The difference is my escapements divide time into fairly large and sometimes random chunks. They would not keep time very well, at least not in this universe!
Are the sculptures hard to install?
The sculptures are designed to be unpacked and installed by the owner. (You?) Every sculpture comes with detailed mounting, operating, and care instructions. A mounting template is included with all sculptures in which the orientation is critical. Screws and wall anchors are provided. It is imperative that they be installed in a location that can be reached. Remember, you do have to wind them!
Do the sculptures require assembly?
The sculptures are assembled. The only parts that may require being added are the larger weights which will need to be positioned on the string. All strings and belts are in place. Some of the larger sculptures (like Reflections) ship in two boxes and are installed in two halves.
Do the sculptures require more space than the given dimensions?
The given dimensions reflect the space needed while the sculpture is in motion. Extra requirements for descending weights are noted where necessary.