Ref: D1D34027
The idea of the course is to build one or more working automata driven by a crank mechanism to hand-power moving parts, which are the anchors for developing animated surreal designs. These could be collaged adaptations of famous Surrealist paintings or your own Surrealist-style weirdness. You'll be working with lightweight art and craft materials, such as card, plastic tube, aluminium rod, tacks, eyelets, wire and soup pots which work really well as the support base for the mechanism.
The construction process will be done with household crafting hand tools, such as scissors, knives, wire cutters, small pliers. (Note that the working space in Bloomsbury does not have any installed power tools and equipment as at West Dean, Sussex.)
The first stage is the engineering element of the course: to construct the mechanism itself. This will be a structured exercise for everyone. Once this is achieved, then you switch from engineer to artist to apply your ingenuity to harness the moving parts to the creative potential of the Surrealist imagination.
The project allows plenty of opportunity to individually experiment with both the mechanism and the artwork. Indeed, experimentation is encouraged. The mechanism can be adapted in several ways that will affect how sections of the artwork interact and move.
In the process of making the automata, you will learn ways to make crankshafts, about their creative potential, the need for reasonable accuracy in construction, and loads of handy tips and tricks in how to make automata.
The tutor will supply all the necessary tools and components for building the mechanism, and a selection of art/craft /junk materials for the moving artwork, including white and coloured card, decorative wire, glues, tape and various fasteners.
The College will supply craft knives, cutting mats, metal rulers, scissors, bradawls for use on the course.
You are asked to provide your own artist resources for your chosen media and methods. Things like paints, felt tips, pencils, and any (lightweight) materials or objects.
You may also want to bring your own favourite crafting tools, which could include things like a craft knife, scissors, small pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, etc.
Do check out Surrealist paintings and sculptures for inspiration, and think of ideas for your Surrealist soup pot automata.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Stephen Guy is a designer-maker specialising in mechanical art or automata. He discovered automata at the legendary Cabaret Mechanical Theatre many years ago and still works closely with them. He also works as Fire the Inventor running creative workshops and producing kits that explore how mechanisms work, the science behind them, and how art can be engineered.
