While I did not add movement to my pieces in art class, others did and it was wonderful to watch them come to life. I was a voyer and learned as a larger welded version of this was being made. I knew I would have to give it a try in a medium that I have much more control over. This piece measures 21 inches to the kite tip. And the swing span is 20 inches around.
The magic to this is the simple hidden mechanism that is going on inside the small square block atop the long dowel. A small piece of dowel is carved to a point and it rests on a bowl shape carved into the tip of the longer dowel. The square block holds both pieces together but not too tightly so the spin can happen when pushed.
This is the second incarnation of this idea and has quickly become one of my favorite pieces to date. You can almost hear her screaming WEEEEE as they cycle round and round. His mustache swings freely and this adds to the life of the piece. I was lucky to have felt roving the same color as the chosen paint to make her scarf, which helps create uniformity across the swing span (my made up technical term). The next one I see in my head is a boat, a sail, and a umbrella turned inside out. That one is on the ever growing I Want To Make list.
Very soon I am off again for a week at Arrowmont. I CAN'T WAIT!!! I am taking another movement in wood class so I know I will be greatly inspired..WHOOO!
My chores are done, dinner is planned, so off to the workshop I go. I have one almost completed sitting on the workbench. The movement works, all that is left is the finishing touches. It is all downhill from here.
I hope all have a great 4th of July!
Hilari
