AUTOMATA

A selection of my automata: purely mechanical storytelling machines. I make mine using recycled wood and a fine sense of humor. Each one understands the power of poetry. They rattle, squeak, and creak. I love that sound. And they tell... Little, repetitive stories.

By working with recycled wood, I mix various types of wood: the richness of that diverse color palette appeals to me enormously. Consequently, I rarely add color. If I do add color (acrylic), I consciously limit myself to five natural base colors (the same colors you encounter in most folk cultures and tribes): black, white, ochre yellow, warm (brick) red, and possibly a deep indigo blue.

I nourish the original wood tones themselves with linseed oil, making them richer, warmer, and deeper in color.