Contemporary Whirligigs
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The traditional whirligig has long enjoyed a cherished place within the world of folk art. My work is a contemporary reinterpretation of this most uniquely American art form. Crafted from fine American hardwoods, exotic woods and various other natural materials, these kinetic wind sculptures retain the whimsy and charm of the original whirligigs. Each sculpture (basically a simple machine) transforms the mechanical motion of the camshaft and cam into a myriad of unexpectedly organic movements. All my work, including newer kinetic and automata pieces, strive to reveal the basic forces of nature that permeate our world (light, gravity, rotational motion, magnetism, electricity, balance).

I strive to create interest in my work by contrasting materials (typically fine hardwoods with mechanical elements) that transform simple machines or science into art. I see the permanent beauty of wood and the permanent beauty of Nature’s forces to wholly compatible and an infinite source of inspiration.

BFA Carnegie Mellon University

Notable shows:
Philadelphia Museum Craft Show (PMA)
Smithsonian Craft Show
ACC Baltimore
Lyndhurst (Artrider)
Long’s Park
VisArts Craft + Design (Richmond, VA)
Paradise City (Marlboro)
July 2024 Ocean City Art Center (One-man show)