a life electric
Date: 2011
Medium: Static electricity sculpture
Materials: Acrylic, aluminum, feathers, wood, polyester, dielectric materials and components.
Dimensions: Variable
This was the first of two installations incorporating work that began while in residence the Exploratorium in Spring of 2011. Gallery visitors collaborated to activate variable speed pedal switches controlling the electrostatic generators, or Influence Machines. Hand twisted wires supported by ceramic insulators carry the charges throughout the gallery where they charge and animate electrical components and polyester thread sculptures. The insect like thread creatures come to life and appear to twitch, leap and crawl on the electrified wires. Tuning forks hang still from lengths of ball chain until two or more participants team up to active multiple generators, charge the chains and create subtle tones as the tuning forks swing toward each other.