FAQs

How long have you been doing this?
I've been making mechanical pieces, or automata, since 1994, but I've made things as long as I could hold a hammer.

How long do they take to make?
Most of my recent pieces have been taking approximately 100-175 hours to complete. In the past, key-operated pieces took about 125-150 hours from start to finish. "Marathon" took approximately 250 and "Combo" 300, these are both motor-driven works. Some of my smaller mechanical pieces took anywhere from 30 to 75 hours.

Do you make these pieces or are they old?
While my pieces do appear to be old, much effort goes into making them look as if they were created years ago, I feel this imparts them with a certain timelessness. Along with creating the figures and mechanisms by hand, I oftentimes seek out and incorporate found objects that have a natural antique age and distress to them.

Were you a puppeteer?
I did make a marionette, once, was I was about 12, but I'm not a puppeteer, I've just always been fascinated by things that move or operate.

Are these copies of things you have seen?
No, I've always tried to keep my work as unique as possible, and although I love old automata and primitive folk art, these are not copies of anything I've ever seen.

Are you in any galleries?
When I was a part-time artist, I participated in a couple of gallery shows, one in Lexington, KY, and one in Venice, CA. In 2000, as a full-time artist, and started doing art festivals around the country where I could personally demonstrate how my pieces operate. In the fall of 2005 I began exhibiting in galleries on a limited basis, creating special pieces for a number of group shows.

My first major gallery show was in early 2007, where nine special pieces were created for a gallery in Philadelphia. This September in Atlanta I will be exhibiting a new group of more ambitious pieces.

The pieces shown in galleries are not as interactive as my previous work, but they are no less intriguing. All pieces are operated by electric motors and incorporate electric lights and handmade switches.

My work can be purchased through my web site or through galleries where indicated. I would be glad to talk to you or send additional photos of any piece I still have available. Commissions welcome.