Making of "Fascination" - 2022 - by Tom Haney

Update - this piece is sold.
Here is the extended video about the build for "Fascination". The piece is a combination rolling ball sculpture, (RBS), and an automaton - and when I started it I wasn't sure it was even possible. The idea was to use the figure as the ball lift, but also have her be an integral part of the RBS, so much so, that the RBS could not function without her help.
So, the first thing was to make her arm so it would lift the ball up, but at it's highest point, drop it on to the track. Next was to create a gently sloped ball run - slow enough for her to follow the ball as it travels. And have gaps in the run that she could "fill in" with her hand, and help the ball along it's path. After that, the movement of her head had to be perfectly timed out to follow the ball along the track. This meant that the roll of the ball had to be predictable - the same every time. That means the base has to be level - while I'm working on it, yes - but also wherever the piece ultimately ends up. So it has to have level-able feet. Once level, and rolling well, I meticulously tracked the ball's location and made sure her head was pointed in that direction. Little by little, run by run, and over and over, I marked the point on the cams that coordinated with the position of the head. I nailed down the side to side movement first, then I figured out the up and down position. Lastly, I added a 4th cam and lever to calm down the jerky motion - caused by the play in the gear motor.
I hope you enjoy this - and maybe learn a bit - I know I learned a lot on this one.
Over 200 hours start to finish - not counting brain time.

"Fascination" -    • "Fascination" - A Rolling Ball Sculpt...  

See more of my work at http://www.tomhaney.com/And follow me on Facebook -  / tom-haneys-artwork-329467316176instagram   -   / tomhaneyartwork  

I'm always accepting commissions - and I'd love to make a special piece for you!Feel free to contact me about any idea you might have. I'd love to talk with you about the possibilities.
You can email me - tom(at)tomhaney dot com
And as always - Thanks for watching!
tom