It has been a long-time dream to make whimsical movements reminiscent of simpler times. These “toys for grown-ups” move in many ways . . . perhaps by turning a handle for example. The historical name for many of these toys is “automata” and those tend to be more complex than what might be known simply as folk toys or kinetic art. Whatever you want to call them they are great fun to have about.
A favorite pieces is Migration To Nowhere and it is the first automaton I made.
Although I work with many types of clays such as polymer, paper mache clay and resin clays, I’ve only recently began creating ceramic clay pieces and 3 Bird House was the first thing I made. That was enough to get me hooked! I’ve lots of ideas for mixed media and mechanical toys made with fired ceramic clay.
Mermaid Theater was no doubt inspired by a great love of the sea. When I’m not in the studio or foraging through antique and thrift stores, I’m very likely at the beach with my pups.
Some pieces are quite challenging to make but as more and more are made sometimes easier ways to make them are revealed. When this happens it’s so delightful. One of the first things I want to do is share these discoveries with others and that’s why I teach many workshops on movable toys.
shannon said,
January 14, 2009 at 7:36 am
great
sue said,
January 25, 2009 at 12:32 am
Your mechanical pieces are enchanting! Visually
interesting and the fact that they are not stagnant
only adds to their allure!
Fae Wishes,
Sue
Jill Milan said,
January 31, 2009 at 2:43 am
Wonderful art work!
Love your Room 422 in your shop, and all your wearable art pieces are to die for…
I’d love to be entered into your “One World – One Heart” giveaway…
I’m also participating in OWOH, so feel free to stop by my blog and enter to win some goodies from me as well.
Jill
http://jewelryelegancebyjill.blogspot.com/
Marcie said,
June 14, 2009 at 11:08 am
Your creations are fun, do you know the works of Tom Haney. I do love automata.
*M*
remnants said,
June 17, 2009 at 2:51 am
Thanks Marcie for your kind comment about our work! And yes, Tom Haney is definitely a favorite automata artist of mine!!!
mastropop said,
August 19, 2009 at 2:38 am
Hi,
I love your mechanical sculptures. Do you ever bring your workshops to NYC?
Thanks,
mastropop