Artful Dodger - Interactive donation box by John Morgan

Here's a donation box made by John Morgan as a commissioned for the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University.

The piece is made of poplar, basswood, lacewood, birch ply, brass, copper, and various electronic components. The donation box is a kinetic interpretation of four works of art in the permanent collection of the Jule Collins Museum of Fina Art.

See more sculptures by John S. Morgan on his web site.

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Warhol's Cat - a contemporary automaton from Fourteen Balls Toy Co.

Check out the latest automaton designed by Matt Smith over at Fourteen Balls Toy Co.! Look at all the mechanisms inside the box!

From the automaton's description:

This is 'Warhol's Cat' the new edition from the Fourteen Balls Toy Company. Designed and made by Matt Smith. The automaton is 150 mm x 100 mm x 230 mm (6" x 4" x 9"). The box is Douglas fir with the mechanism being made of Stainless steel, brass, birch plywood, maple, phosphor bronze and a small amount of Delrin. The cat himself is carved from lime wood and the eyes made from Delrin balls. The mechanism inside the head is made from brass, phosphor bronze and spring steel.The Campbell’s soup tin is a solid piece of steel with a label printed from a hand painted original by Sarah Smith ). The mechanism comprises two brass ratchets and three camshafts, with a fairly complex sequence .

Here is where you can see more detailed photos of the Warhol's Cat automaton.

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Clockwork Universe: The amazing German clocks and automata from 1550 to 1650

The book entitled Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650, is a comprehensive history of the golden age of German clock-making. The book explores the complex mechanisms, the exquisite artistry, and the changing world-view that contributed to their creation.

The guiding thesis of the book is a familiar but compelling one:

The mechanical clock, at least in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with its rational design and regular running, demonstrated an orderliness lacking in almost every aspect of life at that time. The clock came to offer an explanation for the mysterious workings of the cosmos: living creatures were in fact automata, and the universe itself was an enormous clockwork.

The book features beautiful black & white and color photographs, 200 illustrations and technical drawings. These visuals supplement the detailed descriptions of clocks, automata and mechanical celestial globes from this period. There is even a short section on the famous monk automaton. This is a wonderful reference book covering some astounding mechanical creations.

Here is where you can get a copy of Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650.

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Wood horse sculpture by The Father of Modern Automata, Sam Smith, turns up on eBay

Sam Smith is often cited as a predecessor and inspiration for many of today's top automaton-makers. While not an automaton-maker as we might define it now, his sculptures had a wonderful toy-like quality. In his book, Automata and Mechanical Toys, Rodney Peppé singles out Sam Smith as a seminal figure in the emerging field of contemporary automata. He even refers to Smith as "the father of modern automata". This illustrious title is bolstered by Smith's own art and the fact that he personally encouraged artists Frank Nelson and Peter Markey to pursue automaton-making.

One of his pieces is currently for sale on eBay. It's the first time I've seen one for sale.

From the eBay description:

The piece is titled FLORIO and is a unicorn Miniature pull toy , as you can see its carved and painted wood and it retains its paper label for Sam Smith , this is a genuine product , And as I said above is very rare.

Here is the eBay listing for this Sam Smith mechanical wooden horse toy sculpture.

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The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton by Dug North is available!

It's not often I get to say that I have something that is available for sale!

I've done a few posts about this The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton that I made for the article I wrote for Gizmos & Gadgets magazine. Those posts are scattered about, so I decided to add a new page to the automata section of my web site. The new page features the movie you see here, some additional information about the piece, as well as some photos and early sketches I drew while designing the automaton.

As I mentioned, this piece is for sale. Details may be found on the new page.

Here is the new page on DugNorth.com for The Unwelcome Dinner Guest automaton.

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Joseph Walker mechanical toy features drawing artist

I've posted several times in the past about Vielmetter's drawing clown tin toy. Shown here is a toy very much like that one.

From the YouTube description;

The Drawing Artist made by Joseph Walker of Birmingham is a very rare painted and copper plated toy. Operated by winding the handle in the base, a double cam allows the seated figure to draw a portrait of a number of 19th century personalities -- in this case the cams that accompany the toy are of Gladstone and Lord Salisbury.

David Hall wrote in to provide some interesting information about the history of both toys. As it turns out, the toy shown here pre-dates the Vielmetter clown artist. It was made by Joseph Walker of Birmingham, England around 1880. It is thought that at some point in the late 19th century Vielmetter purchased the rights to the mechanism. Some evidence lies in the design of the toys themselves. Different cams can be loaded into the machines. The profile of the cam determines the picture that is drawn. The Walker drawing toy cams are interchangeable with the Vielmetter.

[ Thanks David! ]

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Mechanical bird automaton by Keith Newstead based on a painting by Ralph Steadman

The wild automaton shown in the video above is the product of a collaboration between British cartoonist Ralph Steadman and automaton maker Kieth Newstead, who has been featured countless times on this blog. The piece is based off of one of Steadman's many paintings of exotic, fanciful, and/or extinct birds (or 'boids' as he calls them). In fact, he has recently released a book titled Extinct Birds Boids.

From the description of book Extinct Boids:

Ralph documents them all in this series of remarkable paintings, featuring unique interpretations of well-known birds such as the Great Auk, Passenger Pigeon and Dodo, along with less familiar members of the feathersome firmament - Snail-eating Coua, for example, or the Red-moustached Fruit Dove - and a variety of bizarre beasts including the Gob Swallow, the Long-legged Shortwing and the Needless Smut. All are captured in a riot of expression and colour, with a slice of trademark Steadman humour. Based on emails, diary entries and phone conversations, Ceri's accompanying text provides a running commentary, detailing the unfolding madness behind the creation of each piece in Ralph's extraordinary work.

Here is where you can see more work by Keith Newstead. And here is were you can the amazing assortment of works by works by Ralph Steadman.

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Profile of automaton-maker Dug North, his artwork, studio, and involvement with the film 'Hugo'

Check out this profile of me and my automata published by Howl in Lowell -- the city's hip arts and entertainment site. There are some photographs of me and my work, a great write up, and a well-produced video. You get a good look at my walk-in vault, its massive steel door, the workshop hidden inside, and some of my hand-tools.

Here is where you can see the full profile of Dug North titled "Invention of Dreams".

[ My thanks to everyone at Howl in Lowell for making this happen! ]

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Book on humor in craft to feature automata art

If you've spent any time reading The Automata / Automaton Blog, you know that an element of humor is common to many automata, especially the contemporary ones. This fact wasn't lost on the creators of the book Humor in Craft. They have included the work of at least one automata artist, namely Jim Kransberger. One of his pieces is shown on the cover (the red-headed potter). Three others will be found within the book which can be ordered now, though it is due out in March of 2012.

From the book description:

What happens when professional craft artists are allowed to let loose – when they get to explore their mischievous and irreverent sides? Find out in this groundbreaking book, which, for the very first time, reveals an entirely different side of "serious" craft. Hundreds of images and essays from all over the world allow you to gain insight into the creative minds of contemporary artists like never before. A variety of traditional craft media are shown, such as furniture, ceramics, glass, fiber, jewelry, and metal, as well as a number of unique, nontraditional techniques.

Here is where you can get the book Humor in Craft.

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Kurt Koch's reference about how to carve hands

Carving hands from wood (or any material) is an especially difficult challenge. What you might need is a good reference on the subject -- something like Koch Kolleg 5: Hands. Written by carver Kurt Koch, this volume deals specifically with carving hands using illustrations, photographs, and instructions in English, French, German and Spanish.

Here are the specifics of volume on hands:

Instruction in carving the seven known carved motives of hands: the working hand; the hand of the crucified; open hand of a woman; hand with firm grip, half closed hand, hand grabbing something fine and hand of an infant. 44 pages. Over 340 photos.

Woodcraft is offering a huge discount on this little gem -- nearly 50% off. It's a clearance item, so I may not be available for long. Here is where you can get Koch Kolleg 5: Hands.

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Modular kinetic objects in boxes

Shown here is "The Sysiphos project" by Marco Iannicelli.

The Sysiphos project consists of modular kinetic objects in boxes. Made of aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and plywood, the modules are interchangeable and can be connected in a variety of combinations.

Here's a link to the artist's web site with more pictures of these modular kinetic boxes.

[ Thanks Joe! ]

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Banjo-playing pig automaton with thumb piano

Check out this wood automaton made by Guy Francis, a full-time illustrator who lives in Provo, Utah, United States.

From the artist's blog:

Most of the movements, the strumming, head turning, and banjo movement are controlled by a bunch of cams on the crankshaft. I had some extra room on the crank so I added the little bird. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I think its popping up and down makes me smile the most. Inside I built a little music box called a Kalimba, or thumb piano. It's not terribly loud or "banjo" sounding, but I did tune it to real notes and everything and it plays. I hope you like it.

Like it? Yes, indeed!

Here's a link to the Banjo Pig page on Guy Francis's blog.

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Machinarium - video game with robots & gizmos

It's not often that I get to post about video games that seem to fit the overall theme of The Automata / Automaton Blog so when one comes along it's a treat. Machinarium (shown above) is a point-and-click flash-based adventure game full of little robots and gizmos and some truly excellent art.

Here is where you can learn more or try the free demo of the video game Machinarium.

[ Thanks Bob! ]

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Kinetic sculpture talk & exhibit by Brad Litwin

Philadelphia based, kinetic sculptor, Bradley N. Litwin, will give a multimedia presentation about the evolution of his sculptural work. He will also be displaying of several pieces -- some not yet seen in public.

The event takes place at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts, held and sponsored by the Artists’ Cultural Exchange (ACX). Admission is free.

Date: 04/06/2010
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Cheltenham Center for the Arts
439 Ashbourne Road
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania 19012

For more info: www.cheltenhamarts.org

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Artist skins toys in beautifully handcrafted metals

Artist Cathy McClure gives mass-produced toys finely crafted exoskeletons made from various metals, including silver. The toys often still work mechanically after they have been enhanced by the artist.

Here is an article on Cathy McClure’s Playthings on the Texas Tech University School of Art Alumni blog. Here is a link to some video of Cathy McClure's creations in motion.

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Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian & Mechanical

I don't know why I am surprised to find books on how to make things in the "Steampunk style", but I am. I guess it is truly a mainstream thing now. Anyway, this looks like an interesting book on how to make steampunk jewelry.

A bit about the book:

This how-to jewelry-making book features the work of an array of invited jewelry designers influenced by the growing Steampunk trend....Each project provides a complete materials and tools list, step-by-step instructions, and clear illustrations.

Here the link to Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings

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Incredible animal sculptures by Ron Pippin

Take a look at the astounding sculpture by artist Ron Pippin. Shown here is a piece entitled Solar Deer. Below is a detailed photo of the same piece. Wow.

See more sculpture by Ron Pippin on his web site.

[ Thanks Aaron!]

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Kinetica Art Fair 2010 - London, Feb. 4th - 7th, 2010

Kinetica Art Fair 2010 developed by Kinetica Museum will take place in London from February 4th to 7th. Over 25 galleries and organizations specializing in kinetic, electronic, and new media art are taking part and over 150 artists exhibiting.

From the Kinetica 2010 press release:

A family of holographic light beings, sculpting and drawing robots, an orchestral milk float, a giant vertical electronic wave and a special feature exhibition of work from the masters of kinetic art and the groundbreaking Cybernetic Serendipity show, are just some of the incredible exhibits at Kinetica Art Fair 2010. Kinetica Art Fair takes place from 4 - 7 February 2010 at the P3 space in London and is the UK's only art fair dedicated to kinetic, robotic, sound, light and time-based art. Art that has a life of its own, talks, workshops, performances and more create an art fair like no other.

Visit the Kinetica 2010 web site for more information about this amazing event.

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Automata: Contemporary Mechanical Sculpture

The folks at the incredible Cabaret Mechanical Theatre blog have sent word that there is new autoamta exhibit in Madison, WI at the Chazen Museum of Art running from January 16, through March 14, 2010.

From the exhibit press release:
"The Chazen Museum of Art presents the delightful work of fourteen international artists in Automata: Contemporary Mechanical Sculpture. Meticulously crafted to perform complex, surprising, and often comic movements, these mechanical sculptures tell quick fanciful tales of nature, myth and magic, the creative process, and sheer make-believe. More than 25 hand-cranked artist-designed automata, most loaned from the private collection of University of Arizona art professor emeritus Michael Croft, will be on view January 16 through March 14, 2010. Videos will play in the gallery to show the animated workings of the pieces. Museum admission is free."

Here is a link to more information on exhibit on the Chazen Museum web site.

[ Thanks to the Cabaret Mechanical blog! ]

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Sculpture and automata by Kelley C. Jones

Check out the lively colors and distinctive characters created by artist Kelley C. Jones.

From the artist's web site:
"Kelley's 'idea explosion' are intricate, moving sculptures that are inspired by Kelly's life, her passion for making others laugh, and her wicked sense of humor."

See more sculptures and automata by Kelley C. Jones on her web site.

[ Thanks Phil Sing! ]

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