My parcel of goodies has arrived..
The clockwork motor is the most exciting item; it is beautiful. I bought it on a whim really, but as I have ambitions for my sculpture to whirr it seemed like a good idea. I like the fact that I can see exactly how it works, there is no mystery, no digital chip or ellusive wiring – its simple and functional yet delicate.
Based on these thoughts, my next step is to see if I can scale it up and construct one of my own. The basic principle is that you wind up the handle, which in turn tightens a coil and then after a little delay the energy you have built up is pushed back out again from the coil into a little cog system which turns a metal rod. (this rod could be attached to anything)
So, supposing the handle was some bicycle pedals, and the coil was much bigger, then there is a possiblity of this powering part of my sculpture. (i'm not envisaging a sit on bike as part of my sculpture, though, I'm more thinkijng that the pedals would act like the handle on a mangle)
I like the idea of having the audience triggering some of the movement, that they have to invest some energy into it.
Along with the clockwork motor, I got a selection of pulleys. It immediately occurred to me that the pulleys were exactly like the bicycle wheels, as they have a channel around them too, where the inner tube fits. All I need is some sort of belt system.
I'm still musing on magnets. But for now all I need to get going is some time, so i'm trying to arrange that.
Things have progressed. I now have about fifteen bicycle wheels in the barn at work. I have borrowed some science stands and clamps from the chemistry department and have also ordered all sorts of exciting motors and gears and pulleys from supplier in sheffield. (i'm now waiting for my parcel of goodies to arrive) 8mm steel rods are also on their way.
I have been musing on the moving qualities of the sculpture and have aquired some large fishing swivels. I'm envisaging that some parts will be driven by a motor, that others might be clockwork or wound up by pedals, that wheels will act like cogs in some places but will also be moved by cog systems. I have also been thinking about the possibilites of magnets in conjunction with these, that maybe I can use their ability to repel and attract.
In terms of research I have made a few more discoveries. I met a man with interests in sustainable architecture and cycling; he has just aquired a space to work in that also has an exhibiting space (he seemed interested in my cycle experiment so maybe there's a possibility there).
My friend Gen also sent me some information about pedal powered cinemas; the possibility to show films in various locations outside and inside, while people pedal to generate the power needed…. maybe a film about a mad cyclesculpture seen in this context could be pretty exciting?
The last thing was that I rediscoverd my picture of the strange Victorian bicycle at Anne Of Cleves house in Lewes. It had one huge wheel running parallel with two small ones, and apparently the lady with a frock sat with legs pedalling in front of her in the middle..
