Machine Concept Drawings

Machine Concept Drawings

This is a set of concept drawings which I have made recently. There were steps taken towards the work undertaking an ontological action towards the end of the synthetic beings series, this was through performative and interactive means, here the action is that of the beings, or objects themselves. Through the fountain and the motor, the synthetic flesh and skin, developed in the Synthetic Beings series, will begin to secrete and intake fluids, enact basic motions, and interact with viewers and each other.

Fountains Make People Happy (Fountains Make People)
Ink, Silicone, and Pigment on Paper
56 cm x 36 cm
2009

Orificial Intake
Ink, Silicone, and Pigment on Paper
56 cm x 36 cm
2010

The two forms at the top of each structure will be cast as synthetic skin, a pump will them push un-catalyzed liquid silicone so that it can flow over the skin and hair (see the Synthetic Beings Projects) to be collected and recycled. The first piece is in construction now and will be featured here soon. Below is a Video from a test version showing how the liquid silicone flows (I apologize that the orientation is wrong) as well as a studio shot of the pattern for the synthetic skin section of Fountains Make People Happy (Fountains Make People).

Machine to Break a Metal Bar, or Machine to Break Two Motors
Ink and Pigment on Paper
56 cm x 36 cm
2009

Studio Mock-Up of Machine to Break a Metal Bar, or Machine to Break Two Motors

Motorized Form Kiss
Ink, Silicone, and Pigment on Paper
56 cm x 36 cm
2010

Otolith Machine (Sensory Awareness Machine)
Ink, Silicone, and Pigment on Paper
56 cm x 31 cm
2010

In the inner ear, there is a small deposit of calcium carbonate (the same material as marble) which rests on a small bed of hairs as the head moves the deposit moved in relation to gravity, and sends signals to the brain to alert it of the position of the head. In fish these deposits are more developed and are called otoliths. There is a fascinating branch of science devoted to studying otoliths for various reasons, but I like that they are essentially sculptures which connect the brain to space. Here the ear is in motion and the brain is the camera/monitor linked to the viewer. This piece has been re-designed since this drawing to allow for the motion depicted to take place. Below are some haddock and cod otoliths a researcher in Canada was nice enough to send to me. (sorry for the focus)