How do you make something look like its moving when it's not?
Many automobile and motorcycle designers have been able to figure this out. Take one look at a classic Delehaye or a Norton Big Four and you are bound to notice the striking curves that sometimes appear to intersect abruptly while at the same time looking like they may go on forever. These are curves that come from many or sometimes no radii at all, but never just one. Maybe they were born from a renegade pen stroke on the back of a placemat or the image of the way some hair fell on the shoulder of a woman that was burned in the designer's mind. These are the curves that can make a static object look so fast that you don't want to stand in front of it. These are the curves I am interested in. 
Another design hallmark found in the industries I have been investigating seems to be the use of multiple components that all play a crucial role in engineering as well as beauty. Nothing is simply for the purposes of excessive ornamentation. With that in mind, I tried to make every piece have a purpose. If any one of the components is missing, it will not stand.
I share your aesthetic. This makes me want to go down to the shop and spend a weekend working. You have certainly captured the line and sense of motion that you are going for, and I'm enjoying it very much. I especially enjoy the detail of the small whispy clinch pin, and the fact that the central mast hovers just off the deck. If you don't mind, I'll be passing these on to my students.
ReplyDeleteThe "hovering" bit has become my favorite part! Its the only part of the piece that shows no motion yet it is suspended by the forces pulling and pushing the other parts.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the write up. I just read it. Can't figure out how to comment on yours yet. Do I need to join tumbler? This blogging stuff is quite addictive, isn't it? By the way, I will scan and upload the brief that goes with this project for you