Motion: The Automata of Steve Armstrong - Part 1

The Automata art of Steve Armstrong

[@ChemTechTube]

I can look at almost any contemporary automata and immediately figure out how it works. But, in most of the older automata my jaw would be on the floor because my mind was blown at the stuff they were capable of. I could almost never decipher how it was done, it was like a great magic trick that leaves you stunned and guessing.

[@zoehancock]

Wow, your idea of a rough sketch is my idea of a detailed, unachievable work of art! I love your work!

[@Steve1945]

Greetings Jorge, and thanks for your kind comments. I have a friend from Guatemala, a young lady named Lucia Gomez who is living in the U.S. I checked out your automata - it is great! I subscribed to your channel - a great collection of videos. If you are on facebook check out and join the automata group - it is a great source of ideas. Automata makers from all over the world. Yes, we are close to the same age - not enough time to do all I would like.

[@Steve1945]

Greetings zubin808 and thanks for the interest. I don't really work from plans, the video shows a little about how I make templates of paper to trace onto wood. I have an idea in mind, a few rough sketches solving mechanical problems, and a few templates for gears, etc., and side and front views of figures. I know I'm over simplifying, but start simple and learn through trial and error. I expect to have more time in the future and plan to do some videos which detail the process a bit more.

[@fizzwhistler]

I love Steve's work, he is a genius in my mind. His work is both deceptively simple and complex at the same time. His artistry skills are over the top!

[@scottmikel5017]

Can anyone tell me where his work or gallery is located?

[@nomeconnomesenzacognome9293]

GRAZIE PER AVER CREATO I CIRCUITI

[@Steve1945]

Greetings ChemTechTube, and thanks for your comments. You make some great points - and address topics that I wrestle with myself. I can't speak for all automata artists, but my work was influenced by a variety of sources - the amazing clockwork automata of the eighteenth and nineteenth century being just one. I consider myself a scupltor first, and the movement can be incidental - but in most cases it is meant to be seen - an integral part.

[@ChemTechTube]

Yea I think it's just my personal bias, I make automata out of metal and found objects, and add on older product labels and ads as my "paint". I think it adds an extra layer of interest (trying to figure out where each piece came from), or maybe they know where it's from and it invokes some nostalgia. I tried wood, but as I said I can't stand the sweaky sounds it makes, I am of the opinion that the sound should be one of the most pleasing aspects of the work. Like a ticking watch or a euler disc

[@Steve1945]

Thanks, but I'm still learning, too. It helps that I can draw well. Improve your drawing skills - but start out simple - start with a cat or dog (for example). I try not to make my figures cartoon-ish - it's ok for others not for me. Try drawing a "real" cat - make paper templates, etc., and you are own your way. Let me know your progress. I'll check out your work on FB - join Automata group!

[@vixili907]

Hi Steve, I am an Art Studio student at UK, I happened to see your work at The art Gallery there in 2018. I was so in awe of your work that it has inspired my own in my sculpture class. Do you still happen to come by the woodshop at SA/VS? I would love to see you do what you do in person!

[@Kaneundabel]

very cool!

[@Steve1945]

I don't feel as great an urge to hide the mechanisms and mystify the viewer - I try to add mystery with subject matter and the "tone" of the piece. I purposely simplify and stylize the figures to achieve the look I am after - and the clunkiness of the mechanism is meant to be commentary on our obsession with technology. The reality is that there are a million ways to create automata - and I enjoy the variety of styles and methods. ps. check out Thomas Kuntz automata - more to your liking?

[@ChemTechTube]

Hey Steve great vid, you definitely have talent. Do not take this personally, but I miss the older style of Automata, these days it's all simple wood and the sound of wood squeaking is almost nauseating. There is a noticable lack of detail compared to older pieces. No elaborate clothes, face painting, or extremely life like gestures and facial movement. I know teams used to work on these, I'm wondering why that isn't the case these days? There's definitely a market to support it.

[@Steve1945]

Thanks, but don't sell yourself short. Drawing is a skill that can be learned like any other. People that can draw well are observant, and they have practiced a lot. Start with something simple - success breeds success. Good luck!

[@zubin808]

Do you have any plans which you could share with me please? Specially of the one with people moving up and down..

[@wild-radio7373]

🤜👍🤛♡♡♡

[@moomusss]

Great stuff, But you look like you should have hairy hands!?

[@Steve1945]

It grows out at night.