Automata

Automata are interactive kinetic sculptures. I carve the wood pieces, paint them, and then the pieces are animated .by a hand crank.
Each is unique and tells its own story. By turning the crank or pressing the lever, the viewer becomes part of the action.

Leaving Aztlan--See this in the "Centers of Gravity" Exhibition Opening June 9 Shoreline City Hall--
"Leaving Aztlan" has found a home in the permanent collection of the City of Shoreline.

A long time ago, it was believed that an eagle perched on a cactus would be a sign to the people of present day Mexico of where to make their new home. This piece represents all those who search for a home even as they leave their homelands behind.

Fox's Wedding-SOLD

Do not go into the woods if it is raining while the sun is shining-- the foxes might be having a wedding and it is not for human eyes. When the crank is turned, the fox bows and hits the drum to play a somber rhythm.

The Owl looks over the dusky valley from high in a tree. When you turn the crank, he rotates his head and flaps his wings.

Buho--See this in the "Centers of Gravity" Exhibition Opening June 9 Shoreline City Hall

Blue	This little blue owl turns it head and moves it wings up and down when the crank is turned.

Bigfoot--SOLD

When you turn the crank Bigfoot drums the bones on the skulls and produces a loud rhythmic clackety-clack sound.

The Golden Door

My great-grandmother's journey here from Europe, like so many in the US, began with a promise, and these words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, "I lift my lamp beside the golden door." When the crank turns, she waves goodbye to her home and lifts her suitcase into the air. It is a tribute to all the people who left their homelands in search of opportunity. I can appreciate the sacrifices my family made, and this piece is an acknowledgment of that.

First Flight-SOLD

The little dragon is learning to fly with some help from a magic wand and a patient teacher. When you turn the crank, the magician turns her head back and forth, waves the wand up and down, and the dragon turns circles and goes up and down in the air. It is almost a rite-of-passage for Automata makers to attempt a magician piece. My version of the magician is a woman who is kind, strong, and brilliant. She has taught many, many little magical beings to fly.

On the Nature of Things

A mouse runs through the Sonoran Desert, and the rattlesnake watches. The desert is alive with animals and insects, each playing their part in the large scheme of the universe. When the crank is turned, the rattlesnake loudly shakes its rattles and the circular patch of earth under the mouse turns to make him appear to be scurrying with haste.

Ogre's Delight

The Ogre makes music from the bones of his dinner. When the crank is activated, he drums loudly on the skulls.

Dangerous Waters

Will the woman outswim the circling sharks? When you turn the crank, she bobs up and down as she swims in the water, and two sharks revolve in circles behind the waves, trying to catch up.

Emilio

My great-grandfather was in the Mexican Revolution. This is one of several ideas I have to commemorate his rebellious heart. Our family lore paints him as impulsive, brave, smart, reckless, and very funny. When you turn the side crank, he brings his arms up in alternating rhythm to take swigs from the bottle.

The Eagle and the Fox

When the crank is turned, the log rolls and the fox endlessly runs through the woods. At the same time, the eagle flaps its mighty wings and surveys the land. But will she swoop?

When the handle is turned, the owl on the left moves up and down on his perch and the owl on the right takes off in flight.

Waking up for the Night

In the Deep Woods-SOLD

In a golden shaft of sunlight pouring between two massive trees, the pileated woodpecker taps as the crank is turned.

Po--SOLD

Po the Raven spends his time pecking at the water trough, but every time the water flows toward him, he hears a sound and lifts up his head.

Triumph of Good--SOLD

Carved Wood Automata/Kinetic Sculpture. When the crank is turned, the evil shadow flies across the land, wings flapping, and claws snatching at the dove of peace. The dove darts forward and backward, too swift for the shadow to prevail. This piece represents hope in troubled times. I made it as a way to remember that even with the looming presence of hate, there is always a way out, a possibility for a better future.

Release the Kraken--SOLD

When you turn the crank, the Kraken's arms move about grabbing at the two helpless ships that roll up and down on high waves.

Reaching for Acorns--SOLD

When you pull the string on the right, the squirrel reaches up to the top of the stump to grab the acorns. When you let go of the string, he drops back down again.

Fox Talker--SOLD

The back of the fox's head is a lever that allows his mouth to open to expose sharp teeth while his eye looks back and forth.

Leaving Aztlan--See this in the "Centers of Gravity" Exhibition Opening June 9 Shoreline City Hall--"Leaving Aztlan" has found a home in the permanent collection of the City of Shoreline.