User:Svtyler

Tyler explores the interaction between balanced metallic forms and wind by fabricating images in steel and stainless steel that give the illusion of weightlessness, random motion; Tyler’s work makes visible the movement of the air around us in graceful and serene ways. Pulling together diverse components of his background in aerodynamics and mathematics, he designs sculpture that is both playful and serious.

Inspired by some of George Rickey’s later developments in kinetic sculpture, Tyler employs non-parallel axis of rotation and the resulting angle interactions of a series of counterweighted components. His current work is focused on cantilevered, counter-weighted, compound pendulums in the form of stainless steel beams. The beams represent mass that is belied by their seemingly weightless motion as they interact in a complex manner. As a further refinement of precision and function, he has recently added machining skills and tools to the repertoire. Great pride and pleasure result from his increasing ability to produce objects that take on a life of their own.

In search of contrast, Tyler tends to combine various types of steel in his sculptures. Stainless steel lends itself to brush patterns, which give an almost holographic effect as they move and reflect sunlight. Common steel is very receptive to patinas, which run in a continuum from gunmetal blue to accelerated rust. Applying a clear weatherproof coating over the top stabilizes the patina effect.

A large part of the effort in creating a kinetic sculpture is involved in attaining an almost perfect balance for all moving pieces. The better the balance, the lighter the breeze required to obtain motion. Serving this same purpose is the need for precise machining of all the bearing junctions where movement occurs. Any play between parts causes balancing problems.

Always one to appreciate motion for its own sake when well executed he enjoys surfing and mountain bicycling. His past involves many entrancing hours in the ocean, the teaching of mathematics, design and construction of geodesic domes and experimental aircraft, and the development of an energy sufficient life style that involves the solar electricity used exclusively in the fabrication of his sculptures. He entered the art world in his mid forties when his ability to design metallic forms with intricate mechanical interactions matured. Tyler enjoys working from his remote studio, surrounded by a vibrant oak forest. In this setting, both his appreciation for nature and ability to create are nurtured daily

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