Bird Song with a Found Feather by Martin Smith with Laikingland

How would you like to wake up in the morning at just the right time to the sound of a beautiful birdsong? That was the idea behind Bird Song with a Found Feather by artist Martin Smith -- to create a mechanically-operated slide whistle that can be set and activated to go off at a specific time.

The piece as described by Martin Smith:

I wanted a piece that could be set, as with an alarm clock, and would allow you start the day gently. I am interested in producing mechanical bird sounds and seeing the cause and effect through a mechanism. For me the making is very important and I wanted to craft every part of the machine, to understand how the bellows are constructed and operate and to get the bird whistle sounding just right.

The piece is made of steel, brass, fabric, custom electrics a feather, and is powered by a 12v motor. It is a beautifully crafted machine with big brass cams. The feather (shown at right) is attached to a long wire coming from the top of the bellows.

Laikingland will be exhibiting this and other new pieces by Maarten Baas and Martin Smith at Mint as part of the London Design Festival 2012.

What:
Mint presents A Spatial Surprise

When:
September 14th to September 30th, 2012

Where:
Mint
2 North Terrace
Alexander Square
London SW3 2BA

For information on price and availability you may contact the Laikingland team at enquiries@laikingland.co.uk

[ Thanks Mike! ]

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Half Ounce - Kinetic sculpture by Nick Rayburn

Here's a new piece by artist Nick Rayburn title Half Ounce. This hand-cranked kinetic sculpture incorporates a variety of fascinating components including an antique letter balance, wood, brass, feathers, a magnifying glass, and a bird's skull, which weighs...you guessed it...one half ounce. The artist has created something very intriguing -- an artifact of questionable age and mysterious purpose. Fantastic!

Half Ounce sculpture by Nick Rayburn

Detail of Half Ounce by Nick Rayburn

This piece will soon to be available through Etsy and the Goldbug in Pasadena.

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