rolling ball sculptures are
creations of philosophy, imagination, and varied skills and
processes.
philosophy,
inspiration, and imagination
a very dear friend of mine, while watching a few balls come off the
rails, and a couple other balls get stuck, remarked that the
sculptures were very lifelike in that way. i create these simply
because they are enjoyable for almost everyone to watch, and because
i am compelled to build them.
sketch
i draw
sketches - e-mailed to
customers so that we can understand a design direction, and used by
me to help guide building. the sketching of the concept is important
- without it, the sculpture can end up being quite different from
what i was envisioning.
varied
skills and process
a
list of what goes into building these puppies: art design, kinetic
art, architecture, metallurgy, blacksmithing, industrial safety,
welding, electrical design, physics, mechanical engineering,
storytelling, Web design, marketing, photography, technical
writing, amusement park rides, woodworking, Zen and Buddhism.
frame
using the sketch, i cut and
weld the frame from 3/8" stainless steel
rod, along with smaller diameter rod for frame support pieces and
stainless steel balls for the ends. i spend a lot of time and energy
on the frame as i feel it is an integral part of the overall design.
solid
surface panels
i
prefer to use a solid surface panel (corian-like) material in my
work to help define the space - the panels are available in a great
many colors.
painted
elements
i use powdercoat painted elements to further define the space and to
highlight key kinetic elements. I have even
powdercoat painted entire sculptures
for a terrific look.
lift
i
build the screw lift using 1/8 rod along with a low power, safe,
dc motor. the motor driven, uniformly wound, rail
guides the balls
up to the top of the sculpture for an engaging and continuous
experience.
rails
i hand bend all the rails and weld them all together. i pretty much
start at the top and work my way down. having the frame match the
drawing is very helpful at this point of construction as the rails
begin to have a very direct say in where they want to go - and i
have learnt to listen to them.
kinetic
elements
types of kinetic elements used in my work:
spiral lift -spinner -
drop arm - dips - jumps - funnels - spirals -
waterfall sections -
switches - and
more. what would you like to have happen in your sculpture?
balls
both steel balls and glass balls can be used - i prefer glass balls
as the wide color possibilities of the glass balls compliment my
design. plastic balls are available where quiet operation is
essential.
testing,
testing
testing is a continual process - to help ensure the customer's
investment in this unique art. i am always having great fun hopping
around my studio chasing and catching glass balls - and i never tire
of it.
overall
finish
the sculpture's finish is of great importance, i use an industrial
steel finishing process that makes for
a uniform satin steel finish,
removing
all weld marks.
shipping
your sculpture will be shipped to you in
a very strong hand built wood box,
and come with instructions for mounting and use.
|
