"Perpetual Motion - Contemporary Interpretations of Fine Art Automata" Opens April 16th at Heron Arts in San Francisco

Since becoming a full time artist in 2000, I thought it would be amazing to have a show of all kinetic, figurative pieces - a show of artists that do work similar to mine. Thanks to the internet, I have discovered many artists that make automata; and they have discovered me. (And the word automata seems to be coming more and more recognizable here in the US. Over in Europe and the UK, automata is a pretty common term. People understand what it is. Over here, when I say I make automata, people get this blank look on their faces...... until I say it's figurative, kinetic artwork.)

The show opens April 16th, 2016 at Heron Arts, 7 Heron Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
***  Opening Reception is from 7 - 10pm   ***
More info here. Heron Arts is open Weds-Sat 3-7pm, and the show will be up until May 14th.

How it came to be.........

Last summer, Noah Antieau from Red Truck Gallery, asked if I would co-curate an automata show. Since the idea has been simmering in the back of my head, I jumped at the chance. My list of artists was pretty much a no-brainer, though I did do a little research to make sure I wasn't missing anyone. I made a short list, Noah made his picks from my list, and we whittled our roster down to 10. These 10 artists were culled from all over the globe. Most are multi-talented creators of fine kinetic sculpture. Working in various materials, these artists aim to tell stories with their work. Not satisfied with just the ability to make a static sculpture move, the artists push their audiences to examine - and interpret - the narrative of each piece for themselves.

Our Artists......

Dean Lucker and Ann Wood, USA   A husband and wife team in Minneapolis, who have been working together since 1987; they make a variety of beautiful kinetic pieces that range from simple to complex. Sometimes personal, sometimes fictional - their elegant work is highly captivating; and prized by collectors.

Thomas Kuntz, USA  A super-talented creator living in Los Angeles, CA. A master of the 'old way' of making automata, Thomas has the skills of a jeweler, the dexterity of a clock maker, and the eye of a fine sculptor. He uses many antique devices to fabricate incredibly intricate tableaux.  Highly regarded as a maestro in his field, his automata work was recently featured in Guillermo del Toro's latest movie, "Crimson Peak".

Paul Spooner, UK  Paul has been creating amazing works of whimsy out of Stithians, Cornwall for the past 35 years. He often makes delightful, and insightful, wooden figures - propelled by ingenious mechanical devices. Paul’s work combines humor and an obsessive attention to detail, with delightful and intriguing mechanisms.

Richard Landon, USA  Though new to the field of automata, Richard has spent many years as a special effects expert for the film industry. His many credits include work on Edward Scissorhands', Jurassic Park, Aliens, Life of Pi, and The Terminator.

Chris Fitch, USA  A multi-disciplined artist from the Boston area. Chris' creations include a large range of kinetic works, using a variety of materials. He doesn't limit his imagination, or his choice of mediums, to pursue his ever-reaching aspirations.

David Archer, AUS   Based in Adelaide, South Australia. Conceptually, much of David’s work is concerned with social comment approached through humor, but always with the human element to the fore. Recent work has included several electric coin-operated fortune-telling machines, along with intriguing electric working models, such as “George” the mechanical drinking monkey.

Pat Keck, US  Another artist who's been perfecting her craft for many years, Pat works stark figures in wood and then has them set in motion. Striking in appearance, Pat's figures seem to inhabit a strange detached world of their own. She is based in Massachusetts, and has been known to cut her own trees down to supply her needs for large sections of wood.

Nemo Gould, USA Working out of his studio in Oakland, CA, Nemo uses select found objects to create his movable sculptures. His style is unmistakably shiny and polished, as his choice of materials is usually aluminum or steel. He also loves to include found motors, select lighting, mechanical devices, and other bits of gadgetry.

I will have pieces in the show too.

This showcase - the collected works of this amazing group of talented artists, in one location, at one time - is something that has not happened before in the US. It's going to be amazing to see all the pieces together - we will exhibiting about 20 all together. If you're anywhere near San Francisco, or can get there, you'll want to check out this show.

Thanks for looking,

tom