Orbit 

Following initial concept, I built a functioning maquette with tiny bearings as proof of concept.  My original composition of four of the spheres divided into two separate hemispheres, allowing one to spin independently of the other and allowing the entire structure to spin freely by use of appropriate bearings. 

I began with assorted hand-drawn conceptual renderings to discover a mechanical method applicable for a full size version.  Computer Aided Design drawing for mechanical workings then became advantageous.  After what I believed was a satisfactory solution for the movement of the elements, a thought of incorporating motors occurred to me!  I was intrigued, excited and convinced that this even more ambitious concept of adding one motor to rotate the entire composition and four small additional motors to each of the individual hemispheres, was entirely doable!  This led to months of engineering, research and updated drawings.  After numerous iterations of CAD drawings and finding motors to fit each hemisphere's limited internal space, scouring bearing catalogues for specifications, final drawings of all this detail were completed.   I studied and compared specifications for motor drive units, calculated torque and revolution specs, designed motor mounts and drive pulleys for the units, all to fit the confines of each drive hemisphere.

 Mechanical engineering drawings were crucial for a precise machining process.  I worked with my favorite machine shop experts and provided them the drawings required to execute their portion of the work.  Each of these machined working parts progressed through a multi-step, multi-tool machining process shaped from solid billets of aluminum.  Other parts to the sculpture and parts to complete each hemisphere were rendered and laser cut from stainless steel sheets.  The stainless steel hemispheres were sourced directly from a manufacturer.

304 stainless steel | 90 x 48 x 48 inches

500 lbs.

YouTube Video Credit: Emily Gregoire

Samuel Lynne Galleries