Elements-Earth Specifications
Size: 38” w X 53” h X6.5” d
Approximate Run Time: 20 Hours
One-of-a-kind • Sold
Elements-Earth © 2023
Elements -Earth, a Kinetic Sculpture by David C. Roy of Wood That Works - ©2023 David C. Roy
Introducing the "Elements" sculpture series:
Observe the fascinating world of moving patterns with my "Elements" series of kinetic sculptures. In this motion study I have used the same mechanism to power four pairs of counter-rotating patterning wheels but have incorporated subtle variations in each. Consisting of four distinct sculptures—“Elements Wind,” “Elements Fire”, “Elements Earth”, and “Elements Water”—this series explores the mesmerizing changes of shape and contrast caused by small tweaks to the underlying form. My goal was to gain understanding of the visual impact these changes created.
At the core of each sculpture lies a shared mechanism, powering two 16-spoke wheels mounted on a central hub. The spring driven mechanism orchestrates both synchronous and counter-rotational movements of the wheels. The spokes, composed of two arcs, form intriguing patterns when set in motion. I manipulated the inflection point between these arcs in each design resulting in dramatic changes in the resulting optical effects. In “Earth”, the inflection point lies just beyond halfway between the hub and the perimeter. “Water” exhibits a slight shift closer to the hub, followed by “Wind”, and finally, “Fire” with the most extreme shift.
While the hubs remain uniform in size, I have also experimented with dark and light finishes, observing how they influence the perception of scale. Surprisingly, the dark hubs lend a perceived sense of slight reduction in size, adding an intriguing dimension to the sculptures.
Powering these unique sculptures is my signature "silent escapement mechanism," which made its debut in the 1975 sculpture, “Anticipation”. Evolving over time, the current version in the Elements series differs significantly in appearance but retains the fundamental spring driven operation of two arms connected by a slow pawl to cog transfer. This refined interaction ensures the sculptures operate with an enchanting near-silence. Moreover, the mechanism imparts a dual visual experience while rotating the pattern wheels, creating two distinct patterns with a seamless transition. When the wheels turn in opposite directions, a mesmerizing moiré effect unfolds, captivating the eye. Conversely, when the wheels rotate in the same direction at varying rates, a more tranquil, ever-changing pattern emerges, offering a hypnotic allure of its own.
Experience the journey of motion and visual delight with the "Elements" sculpture series—an exploration of form, movement, and the subtle intricacies that shape our perception.
How to wind this sculpture:
All of the Elements scul[tures wind in the same way. David demonstrates in this video:
About the Sound:
The Elements series is nearly silent. There are no clicks.