Friday, January 18, 2008

Illustration Friday: "plain"







I started delving into the idea of "Automaton" or kinetic sculpture a few years ago. I read a lot about it and admire some incredibly talented artists including my friend Rick Davis who helps me figure out how to translate the idea of movement in some of my dimensional pieces. This combines two things I find interesting, making art from paper and using foamboard instead of wood so that I can really tweak the shape.and maintain my style as well as making it function. This house looks plain at the moment but soon it will be filled with colour and whimsy. In the back I have little wooden parts combined with some screws and washers that make a panel move up and down so it will look as though the windows are winking at you. This year I plan on making more so that when you turn the cranks the door opens, shutters wave and windows blink. I will repost this once I add the architectural details, paint and resin. Plain for now but filled with light soon.

30 comments:

murphy girl said...

i love it the way it is and can see a whole town of these hanging on a big huge wall! would be a great installation in a gallery!

Rui Sousa said...

what a great work you have here, nice really nice!
www.ruisousaartworks.blogspot.com

JO said...

As your works are so beautiful, this new interesting development will be definitely worth waiting for (I'm a big fan of white I think this is already wonderful).

zime said...

Great work Val!! It's rare from you but it's so delicated as usual.
(^v^)

isay said...

it might be plain for now but it is already showing a beautiful work in progress.

ohhh i like visiting your site-i learn new things and always having some fun.

Have a nice weekend Valerie!

Roberta said...

How cool is that going to be! It's great now... but wow!

Anonymous said...

oh, valerie, this house has personality built right in! even before adding color and details. it really smiles and winks already! love it! :)

teri

claudine hellmuth said...

this is so much fun!!

Teri said...

I hope you show us the 'decorated' house too. The 'plain' version is already interesting!

Ces Adorio said...

Incredible. it is plain to see that there is no end to your talent, creativity and whimsy. I love your three-dimensional pieces. Individual and special. I can just imagine your hands sculpting the cat and the trash can and shaping the house. You and your hands make the most beautiful art that exudes so much warmth and happiness. Someday I hope to shake those hands.

Anonymous said...

cant wait to see this one done. i know ur on to something with this kentic stuff. trust me .
michael dailey

Unknown said...

Hi Valerie...

wonderful work on that house and I am so intrigued to see it move and to see it once it will be fully coloured....

your work is an inspiration and I truly enjoy my visits here...

Cheers,
Diana

Anonymous said...

How wonderful Val!!

imwithsully said...

So fun to see your work in progress. Can't wait to see the end result. You should make a video to show the workings when it's done.

bog_art said...

I love to see your post to learn the imagination never end.. that little cat is soo cute!!..

Brine Blank said...

Pretty awesome take on your own work...look forward to seeing the finished results! I really like the effect of the thumbnail!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool! I look forward to seeing it when it's finished! You've got such talent!!!

Diane Duda said...

You are such a talent! Can't wait to see it when it's done.

di

Ellen Byrne said...

I hope you can show us the house when it's finished. As is it's perfect for "plain"! Well done, again!

Unknown said...

Val !!! please take pictures as you are working on this and post a work in progress. I would love to see it.
Awesome

Krimo said...

What a clever idea!
Your "plain" is a high flyer, Val.

thefridayfrog said...

white as plain but not one bit. so original and i can't wait to see the fini! :))

Gerald de Dios said...

Oh, I havn't visited your blog in quite some time. I've been missing out on some beautiful projects.

sketched out said...

Really love this! I think it looks awesome white on white. I hope you post the finished piece. It should be just lovely!

Gillian Mowbray said...

I love the fact that the houses have a face - as of course, we all know that they really do!

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Can't wait to see when it's finished! Looks really neat!

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Can't wait to see when it's finished! Looks really neat!

lil kim said...

wow that's really amazing! never heard of kinetic sculpture before but would love to see it in action. good luck finishing this one!

Mauricio said...

Hello,


Nice really, like Scott I want to see finish, will be great.

Cheers

Ginger*:) said...

Your range of talents and interest always amazes me.
This is fantastic. Even if it never moved an inch it is still a delightful piece. We are all awaiting the advance from Plain to Fanciful.