Solar Orbiter
Solar Orbiter
For this anniversary creation, Smith has designed and produced a sculptural watch winder from his own studio in West Yorkshire. The brief was simply to create a kinetic object that would signal the M.A.D.Gallery’s 15 years. Smith had been working on a number of wind-powered works which naturally led him to the idea of the sun.
Called the Solar Orbiter, Smith describes it as: “chaotic, mesmerizing, sophisticated in its construction, and a bit quirky”. Keen eyes will notice that it incorporates elements from all the works Smith and Laikingland had previously created for the M.A.D.Gallery, including the clapping hand and heart.
Lead time: 4 weeks
300 handmade parts
For Smith, it was important that the mechanism should not resemble a watch movement. His original idea was to use 15 wheels as a nod to the 15th anniversary, but unfortunately a few more had to be added to make the sculpture function!
Each piece is crafted from over 300 handmade parts in steel, aluminium, brass and carved-wood and comes with an interchangeable heart, hand, and star. Measuring 60 cm in height, with a width and depth of 40 cm, it is powered by custom electronics that allow for different winding speeds that operate in total silence. There will be 10 numbered pieces. Each one comes in a custom shipping crate that features a screen printing of the Solar Orbiter on the outside.
Specifications
Limited edition of 10 pieces
Each piece is composed of nearly 300 individually handcrafted parts.
Width: 40cm x Height: 60cm – Depth: 40cm
Powder-coated steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, carved wood, motor, and custom electronics.
12V DC via a universal plug-in transformer.
Each work is supplied in a bespoke wooden crate with a precision-cut foam interior for secure transport and storage. Included is an A2 screen-printed Certificate of Authenticity, signed and numbered by the artist.
Laikingland
Laikingland is a creative label, based in both the UK and The Netherlands, who design and manufacture beautifully crafted kinetic objects that engage, and evoke a sense of play and nostalgia.
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