These two pieces are based on LROC and Clementine images of Luna’s south pole. Their discovery and proof of water at our Moon’s south pole inspired these sculptures. Crater colouring is artistic license. The acrylic tubes have LED ribbon lights, representing cascading water.
The “Oh My Darling” sculpture came first. It is made with Canadian Maple in an 11-sided base configuration. This represents the best guess at the number of physical dimensions in our reality. “Cold Trap” is made with a base of MDF. Both have multiple coats of epoxy embedded with metallic tints. They are each about 600 mm in diameter.
Published by
Joseph Federer
Combining a lifelong fascination with lighting, moving art, and woodworking, photo-kinetic and thermo-kinetic sculptures provide an outlet for innovative combinations of art, machinery, electronics, and fun!
Photo-kinetic art is that which combines sculptural elements based on reality, usually from NASA sources, with LED lighting representing speculative possibilities of those locations. These may be based on fiction, natural phenomena, or flights of fancy. Some sculptures are static, but may incorporate other features such as Lithophanes or being touch-friendly.
Thermo-kinetic sculptures are those which have moving components responding to environmental inputs. Some are activated by temperature or humidity changes directly affecting parameters of sculptural components. Others may incorporate electronics to magnify natural effects.
With over 15 years’ experience making fine violins, the necessary attention to detail contributes to the quality of work in all my artistic and sculptural works. In addition, experience building a large custom home, a dedicated wood-working shop, and various other structures, ensures that my sculptures, particularly the thermo-kinetic ones, are structurally sound.
The core principals of my work are: to use an appropriate mix of natural and synthetic materials and processes to illustrate an idea or principal; to use science and space-related source materials; and to explore ideas which may be considered unconventional. In the immortal words of Calvin and Hobbes, “Let’s go exploring!”
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This artwork is copyright © Joseph Federer. All rights reserved.
