Archive for Art

“The Pugilist” Keyboard

// June 21st, 2010 // Comments Off // Art, Design, Independent Creative Work

I’ve come up with an idea for a giant computer keyboard that users would operate by punching the keys as if they were boxing. The idea is to have a keyboard that only uses large muscle movements, instead of the small muscle movements characteristic of keyboards and mice.

It would be used almost exclusively for word processing. To replace the use of a mouse, I am planning a huge joystick along the same principles (large muscles only), which will be called “The Elephant.”

The keyboard would be set in a semi-spherical backing approximately 2ft high and 3ft wide, supported on a sturdy mount held up by an adjustable arm so users could lower or raise the keyboard to the appropriate level for their height.

The keyboard’s base would be a half-sphere, weighted at the bottom to provide stability.

The top half of the sphere would provide ventilated space for the user’s computer, as well as cords to attach the computer by USB to the keyboard, and a shelf for a projector that would project with the user’s desktop onto a wall or screen.

The interior would also include a power bar for the computer or projector.

The keyboard, keys and support arm would all have to be heavy-duty in order to withstand multiple blows. Heavy duty switches would be used but would still have to be light enough to allow for keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-S, etc.)

Interested? E-mail us at jetpackmedia@me.com

Fire Flower

// June 5th, 2010 // Comments Off // Art, Design, Independent Creative Work, News

There are few things nicer than sitting around a campfire, watching the sparks rise into the sky and staring into the incandescent red and yellow heart of the fire.

There are two things that can take away from it – a breeze, and the fact that while your front may be toasty warm, your back gets cold.

The Fire Flower is a proposed installation with sheets of curving reflective metal installed around a campfire. The sheets curve over towards a point to create a parabolic reflector that, like a lens, would reflect heat and light back towards the centre of the fire. The vanes would be staggered and overlap in order to provide shelter from the wind while still allowing for easy entrance to and from the campfire area.

The fire grate would be surrounded by a round stone bench.

The Fire Flower could be installed either in public parks or on private property, creating a sheltered space that appeals to the primal satisfaction derived from gathering together for warmth and light in a natural setting. Made from durable materials, it is beautiful both day and night.

If you are interested in such an installation, e-mail us at jetpackmedia@me.com

This is an idea I’ve had for a while to create a space around a campfire. The “petals” would be sheets of a reflective metal.

Dragon Teeter-Totter

// June 5th, 2010 // Comments Off // Art, Design, Independent Creative Work, News

Above: an Autodesk Mudbox 3d rendering of the Dragon’s Head.

Seen above: exploded view

The Dragon Teeter Totter is a combination of a ride for kids (or adults), a puppet and a dynamic sculpture.

As the riders tip themselves back and forth, the dragon will flex and bend its neck and tail and flap its wings in response. The riders can also pull levers that open the dragon’s mouth and spin a wheel in its head that throws off sparks.

The basic teeter totter, which seats two, pivots on a central post.

Neck, Tail, and wings are attached to the “body”, which has two saddle-shaped seats.

Dragon Scale Segment- Video (Quicktime mov)

Or click here to see it on Youtube

The head and tip of the tail are supported by posts, which allow the tail and neck to slide back and forth with the rocking motion of the ride. The wings are hinged to the body at the shoulder and supported at mid point by posts, which allows them to rock up and down with the movement of the riders.

The segments of the neck and tail are relatively simple: a single sheet of metal folded into an inverted U shape, wider at one end and narrower at the other. with a large thorn-shaped spine at one end to form the ridges along the dragon’s back.

The dragon’s head in the “exploded model” is very spiky, due to limitations in the way Sketchup handles curves. The model of the head would be more like this:

Because the head and tail would be moved back and forth with the rocking motion, they need to be secured to a post with a “slide” at the bottom, that would guide and stabilize the head.

The segments fit together, inserting the narrower end into the wider like stacking cups, and are held together and pivot on a simple pin.

For kids or adults riding the dragon, they should get the experience of “flying” the dragon, with neck and tail arching and wings flapping as using their own power.

I have contacted a local blacksmith to make a mock-up and build a working prototype.

If you’re interested in updates – or your own dragon, contact me at jetpackmedia@me.com.