Kinetic Sculptures and Dynamic Walkers

The award was used to acquire materials to model examples of kinetic sculptural forms /objects from prototype to finished pieces.

It has been hugely beneficial in bringing ideas that have long been simmering on back burners various in the recesses of my brain firstly onto paper, then to physical reality in very encouraging and inspiring ways that could not have been foreseen had the objects never materialised. To be given the impetus to problem solve through physical modelling has been a real kick-start to a new chapter of creative endeavour.

The award was crucial in the success or otherwise of how the project developed. I had previously suspected, through extensive research, that materials selection would be critical in determining the points of balance / counterweight options and general behavioural dynamics of given passive walker models and this very much proved to be the case. I had previously been reluctant to go to the extra expense of acquiring the best quality materials for the job as this seemed potentially risky if unsuccessful however, having used the award to fund the right materials, the obstacles to success were vastly removed and it became much easier to realise options and determine how best to progress in any given direction, certainly in terms of the passive dynamic walking model experimentation. A much better understanding of the various processes and greater success in achieving goals and reaching conclusions was enabled by my being financially incentivised to opt for the most appropriate materials rather than any make do and mend option that may have created an environment of frustration rather than creative success and progress. I am very grateful for  the award and glad I didn’t embark on the project prior to having the means to minimise any potential disappointment.