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Concentric Kinetic Velocities, Aaron Waller, Sculptor and Artist

The terms: “Concentric Kinetic Velocities” are more than a mouthful when combined together, it adjoins a mathematical equation with the power of physics. Yet creating a sculpture that obeys the natural movement and direction of the wind produces art that understands kinetic motion and the power of velocity.

This sculpture works somewhat as a weathervane, or perhaps a better term is a wind vane. The lead artist on the project, Aaron Waller mounted two concentric circles in a 3D sphere at 90 degrees and added interior and exterior fins to the circles. The two concentric circles are repurposed pieces of chrome covered garment racks from a department store and the fins are cut from flat-steel. The slim-lined fins work like rudder blades and catch the direction of the wind ever so subtly. With the fins the outer chrome rings rotate back and forth giving the viewer an understanding of the direction of the wind. In the center of the two concentric circles he added a cold-rolled steel blower wheel known as a squirrel cage equidistant on the diameter where he dynamically balanced the cage on the wind vane.

The wind velocity captures the curved blades on the squirrel cage causing rotation with such intensity that it appears to be motorized at moments. The upper portion of the sculpture which includes the two concentric circles with riveted fins and the squirrel cage are mounted on a shaft that allows for subtle rotation and spinning action. The shaft is attached to a vintage car brake drum and axle that has been repurposed into the sculpture base. These elements have enough weight and heft to keep the upper portion stable and rotating. The axle portion has been covered with new steel pipe, creating an overall silver-gray color for the sculpture.

Photograph by Aaron Waller
Overall height, 93" - 2.63M
Height to the bottom of the rings, 57" - 1.45M
Diameter of the rings, 36" - .91M 

The sculpture fits into two art categories: kinetic art that contains movement perceived by the viewer, fits into one category, and the other is minimalistic which covers the simplest of shapes including 3D circles. The wind is a variable partner that plays an integral part in the sculpture’s performance. As when there is no wind or breeze the upper portion stands still and allows the global sphere to shine in the sun or reflect in the moonlight. It is those chrome circles matched with the silver steel and the aluminum squirrel cage that contributes to the overall simple monochrome minimalism.

Stand around and stare at the sculpture in the breeze and the two circles reveal different oval shapes as they move, sometimes revealing almost two haloed ovals as shown below. The added fins also add to the haloed effect with elements of foreshortening. The illusion of foreshortening is created by the angle of the viewer as one circle radius collides with the other making a perfect circle appear an oval.

Waller worked with his two studio assistants, his father Bruce Waller and his uncle Anthony Waller. The final element was working to find a correct location for the sculpture, it needed a location where it could be level yet in a spot that harnessed the wind. Currently the sculpture is mounted on a wooden pallet and is movable. This idea was selected until alternative site locations could be tested and evaluated for wind viability. The sculpture is currently located just outside Lewistown (MT) in the Snowy Mountains.
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Aaron Waller is a founding partner along with his wife, Genia Castro Waller of Graphic Finesse, Billings, Montana.  They are storytellers, that create and refine corporate and company identities'.
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©2022. Waller-Yoblonsky Fine Arts Blogspot: Waller-Yoblonsky Fine Art is a research collaborative, working to track artists that got lost and/or overlooked due to time, changing styles, race, gender and/or sexual orientation. Our frequent blogs highlight artists and art movements that need renewed attention with improved information for the researcher and art collectors. The blog was created by Mr. Waller and all written materials were obtained by the Fair Use Section 107, of The Copyright Act. #waller-yoblonskyblogspot #walleryoblonskyblogspot #aaronwaller #kineticsculpture #velocityinsculpture


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