HARVEY
DEPARTMENT
INTERACTION DESIGN
ORIGIN
SAGINAW, MI
The mechanics are exposed, inviting viewers to contemplate the inner workings of both the sculpture and, metaphorically, the human psyche. Emotions and actions are generated through an interaction with a seemingly nonliving object. It raises questions about the nature of perception and consciousness—can a mere assemblage of wood and mechanics evoke genuine human emotions? There is much going on beneath the surface with hidden influences, power dynamics, emotions, and tensions that shape us.
The puppet becomes a vessel for narratives that echo human conditions. I try to underscore the significance of subtlety in human interaction, where the slightest gestures and actions can have profound implications. These nuanced movements become a form of communication. Themes of manipulation, control, longing, and pleasure are explored in the work. A sense of magic can be found in play, the whimsy of articulated limbs, and the timeless allure of storytelling.
2023, Cherry, poplar, metal, motor, wire, camera vision, 10" x 7" x 6"
2024, walnut, cherry, poplar, stoneware, wire, 16" x 9" x 6"
2024, cherry wood, sound sensor, motor, 18" x 5" x 6"
2024, Bronze, steel, cherry wood, string, 4' x 6"x 1'