Ref: S4D36519
Learn basic mechanical movements and the engineering challenge of making them work smoothly and reliably as you explore how movement can be harnessed to produce kinetic artworks, mechanical toys or automata. You will focus on hands-on prototyping and experimenting, understanding the necessity of reasonably accurate construction for a machine to run well, and to closely observe components to see how they function and to problem-solve when they malfunction.
The heart of the creative process is a playful and inventive use of any materials that can be recruited to help create striking, funny or strange moving sculptures, anything from conventional craft materials to found objects, toys and junk. The tutor will bring his collection of automata and example mechanisms for studying and inspiration; these will be the focus when learning about the joys and frustrations of building mechanisms. The tutor will also provide an eclectic mix of materials from his own store cupboard, but you are also encouraged to bring in your own bits and bobs for potential use in your own machines, or just to add to the general pool of unpredictable resources.
On the first evening, you will be introduced to the tutor's automata and the basic types of mechanism used to power automata. On the first day, there will be structured sessions making specific mechanisms, which should also result in the completion of two fairly simple automata. For the remaining days, you will work on your own project with the tutor's guidance. You must be prepared to come up with your own ideas, work on your own initiative, and be willing and able to use power tools, with instruction as necessary. The objective is to finish individual project(s) by the end of the course, but this will depend on the complexity of the piece and an individual's skill, working speed and available resources.
A wide range of wood, metal and plastic materials and components will be supplied by the tutor for building the mechanisms. These should cover most general requirements, but you are encouraged to bring your own too.
On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials, including: A variety of wood sections and offcuts, plywood, MDF, dowel; a variety of metal wire and rod; a range of fixings, fasteners and adhesives; craft materials such as card, felt tip pens and eclectic boxes of junk, curios, toys, found objects.
Available from shop: Fine art materials if required. The Shop also has a limited stock of metal, wire and rods.
Available from tutor: Possibly any unusual or more valuable item of junk or toy, or mechanical component
Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Stephen Guy is a designer-maker specialising in mechanical art or automata. He discovered automata at the legendary Cabaret Mechanical Theatre many years ago and still works closely with them. He also works as Fire the Inventor running creative workshops and producing kits that explore how mechanisms work, the science behind them, and how art can be engineered.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
