Current ExhibitMar 10–Aug 31
Beautiful Spirit: Kinetic Sculptures
Interactive Sculptures by Joe Benedict
Joe Benedict, the owner of Caveman Fabrications, created the new-this-year Crescent Moon, cypress pole trees, hanging stars, and luminaria tree for LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination. This spring he is showing new artworks that incorporate interactive kinetic elements.
“First and foremost,” says Joe, “these pieces are just beautiful. I have created creatures that can be set into motion with a little pedal power from garden visitors.” Joe has sculpted a butterfly and dragonfly from steel and slabs of mesquite wood treated with linseed oil. He has layered the two materials, contouring them to create the body and wings.
“The butterfly’s wings are about six feet wide and hinged at the midpoint. There is a control panel, reminiscent of something you might find in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, on which you can pump a pair of levers to set gears and sprockets into motion. In turn, these will cause the wings to flap and the body to move up and down!”
