Kinetic Sculpture Masterclass

This is an opportunity to work closely with renowned kinetic sculptor and artist Jim Bond to design and build your own prototype kinetic sculpture.

Over the day you will learn basic welding and metal working techniques including drilling, riveting, filing and working with cams and cranks to turn rotational movement into linear movement. This will include using tools such as steel hacksaws and pliers, as well as the hand held pop riveter, mig welder and an angle grinder with cutting and grinding discs.The finale will be creating a structure which will hold a motor and generate movement.

Artworks will be displayed in a special temporary exhibition in IOU’s Walkway Gallery at Dean Clough Mills.

No prior knowledge is required for you to complete your own kinetic sculpture with working motor at the end of the day.

Spaces are limited to ensure Jim is able to support and guide individuals.

The day will start at 9.30am with registration and safety briefing. There will be 30 mins for lunch (not provided) and then the activity will finish at 5.30pm.

After the exhibition of work in IOU’s Walkway Gallery the artworks will be returned.

About Jim Bond

Working from his studio in Yorkshire, Jim exhibits nationally and internationally most recently at The Morris Museum, USA. His anthropomorphic illusionary portrait of Rosalind Franklin was commissioned by English Heritage for their ‘Immortalised’ Exhibition and his work is in private collections around the world.

A long term collaborator with IOU, Jim’s mechanical kinetic sculptures formed a central part of our immersive light experience Volatile Light From intricate responsive silver and copper devices to engineered, large-scale wind powered installations his mechanised structures unfold to reveal wondrous illusions and hidden surprises.

“I take inspiration from multiple sources which could be anything from found notes to radio quotes and urban stickers which are all carefully collated in my current A6 notebook”.