Kinetic artist Theo Jansen creates complex and bizarre new lifeforms that the artist hopes will one day roam the ocean-sides in herds. The creatures, called Strandbeests, at first glance may look more on the order of installation art than a living thing, but more than a cursory look will have you exclaiming, “It’s alive!”
Strandbeest by Theo Jansen
Jansen explains, “Since 1990 I have been occupied creating new forms of life. Not pollen or seeds but plastic yellow tubes are used as the basic material of this new nature. I make skeletons that are able to walk on the wind, so they don’t have to eat. Over time, these skeletons have become increasingly better at surviving the elements such as storms and water and eventually I want to put these animals out in herds on the beaches, so they will live their own lives.”
Strandbeests by Theo Jansen
Theo Jansen has evolved his Strandbeests several generations over the twenty years he’s been working on them. They have become increasingly adapted to their harsh environment (the sand and sea), can be programmed to understand where they are on the beach & in which direction they are going, and have even be taught to have a sense of self-preservation; one Strandbeest creature was designed to pin itself safely down when it detected high winds. Incredibly impressive for a series of plastic tubes, bottles & string!
Strandbeest by Theo Jansen
Most recently, Theo has been trying out his lastest model, the Animaris Siamesis. “The Siamesis is a twin animal, which is armed against strong winds. The two animals hold each other and prevent in this way being blown over. It has the largest wind stomach untill now, so it can save a lot of spare wind. Since the wind has been the friend and enemy of the strandbeests, the Siamesis is a significant step in evolution.”
Strandbeest by Theo Jansen
Jansen will be testing the Animaris SiamesisJune 25, 2010 through June 27, 2010 from 2pm to 4pm on the beach of Exmouth UK, and again in the same area/time from July 2, 2010 until July 4, 2010. If you’re in the United Kingdom or plan to be during these times, it would certainly be a magnificent sight so don’t miss it (and send me pictures)!
If you’re interested in learning to creature similar kinetic sculptures, you’ll be happy to know that Theo Jansen‘s Strandbeest designs have been re-invented on the small scale for those of you with K’nex brand motorized construction toys.
While the small motorized design is limited, it’s still really neat & would make a great family project. Read the comments for lots of great tips from others who’ve tried the design.
I’m thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of PaperStreet‘s new online classroom environment, Learn @ PaperStreet Supplies!
We’re developing several courses in both traditional and digital artwork, as well as inviting other talented artists & crafters to create their own tutorials.
Our first lesson, an introduction to the freeware graphical editing program Paint.NET (an economical alternative to Adobe Photoshop), is available completely free to anyone interested in learning how to use this great software. This free beginner’s course is designed to introduce you to the Paint.NET program interface, as well as it’s various tools, options, and menus.
a simple digital collage made in Paint.NET
At the end of the course, you’ll be able to alter an existing work of art & then be shown how to create a simple digital collage using Paint.NET. Class materials are provided, all you need is basic computer knowledge & to have Paint.NET installed and working on your computer. Please note: Paint.NET is only available for computers that run the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Questions, comments & critiques of the course are most certainly welcome. Email any suggestions to support@paperstreetsupplies.com.
