Where I'm coming from...
I like to make paths. I always have. I started with dug-out trenches in our yard - and then put the hose to them to watch the water move and carve it's path through the canyons of dirt. Once I could get out on my own I spent a lot of time at the creek by our house playing wtih, manipulating, and watching the always moving water. I liked to make damns or would divert the water another way. Sometimes I would even bring a shovel. : ) Then I moved onto hand drawn pencil mazes. I spent a lot of time listening in class, while looking at the end of my pencil draw out endless paths on the white paper in front of me. The mazes were the best because pencil was easy to change, and you could be as creative as you wanted - with little limits on what you could draw. (Except for me, I can't draw, I can only doodle!)
I got started making RBS with a toy that was given to me by my brother, Larry. It was a Spacewarp and it was basically making a path with two wires - and you had the added fun and challenge of intertia, gravity, potential and kinetic energy to explore...not to mention that when you completed it - it moved! In short it was the most awesome toy I'd yet had in my life. Thanks, Larry!
All of my kinematic art rolling ball machines are unique
and completely hand crafted. I spend many hours bending each 1/8" piece of rod into curves and
swerves by hand, then making precise and durable welds. The stainless steel
construction is strong, and will not rust or tarnish. I bank nearly all of my
corners without using guardrails (unless absolutely necessary) to keep the balls on the track. This
keeps the sculpture uncluttered with unnecessary wire and makes if fun to look at when not operating and imagining the ball rolling through the corners or loop d' loops without the ball falling off.
Sure, They do look really cool... but where would I use one? Good Question.
These wire art sculptures are a great addition to many different situations. They are used in waiting and areas where ppl have to wait. rooms for people who are just... waiting. They are popular in hospitals, lawyer’s offices, businesses, restaurants and even libraries. Anywhere you want or need someone entertained. If your customers sometimes have to cool their heels, then these kinetic sculptures are just the thing you need to keep their attention away from how long they've been waiting. An RBS also provides great background noise! A perfect way to keep conversations private if you happen to have thin walls, or cubicles that don't block sound well. The marbles on track provides nice white noise that is very effective, drawing attention to the marbles rolling on the tracks, through tipping arms and assorted elements, around spirals and back up the lift - and not to your conversation. If you are purchasing for a business, company, as a gift, or need/want personalization of any kind, I can spell out your business name or personal name in wire. I can even make an element that compliments what you do, such as the "Scales of Justice" I created for the rolling ball sculpture that is going to a lawyer's offices. These kinetic sculptures would be a wonderful addition to any waiting room or setting where one can come and watch! Rolling ball sculptures really draw the attention of kids, and their parents too! The sense of wonder will be remembered, and they will want to come again and again to see it.
I make 3 basic styles, wire art rolling ball sculptures that stand on a table, free stand on the floor, and mount on the wall. All of my work is custom, so please get creative! Most of my pieces have been commissioned, so they are each unique to the individual buyer. If you don't see something that you think would be neat, let me know so I can create it for you. You can design and have any size or shape you envision. I am open to all of your input and inspiration.