Making a mechanical whale - Wooden Migaloo

This video shows the making of a mechanical moving whale in wood (also called automaton).
You can see more of my work on my instagram: / syl.gautier
I've named him Wooden Migaloo after the albino humpback whale often seen on the coasts of Australia. Migaloo is an Aboriginal word meaning "white boy".
I made this kinetic sculpture in my workshop in the south of France near Toulouse.
The whale and the waves are made of basswood, the frame is walnut and the base is acacia.
This piece is based on a concept by "The Lost Gypsy".
0:00 - Intro
0:07 - The whale
10:03 - The base
16:09 - The waves
19:00 - Assembly
24:07 - Final reveal
#sculpture #woodcarving #makingof #woodworking #automaton #automata #whale #ocean

[@Roycey77]

It moves with a stop-motion precision. Extraordinary.

[@someguyontheinternet-]

I was thinking that very same thing

[@oriel9347]

Agree but shouldn't he be below the waves ??🙂

[@SylGAUTIER]

It's a very special whale :)

[@simondixon2599]

I've never seen something so amazing created right before my eyes - fantastic job !!!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you so much :)

[@SkuStyle]

You've not had children yet then, ha ha...

[@woodartvietnam3723]

I love this art wood so much!

[@rafezetter8003]

That is just beautiful, and your methodology was clearly very meticulous and planned; I would be curious as to how many hours went into it. What I like the most is that you went for a bent wire armature which gives the whale some sideways movement as well as up and down - often you see these and they use a straight "up and down" system with different height "cogs" which doesn't give the same dynamic animation.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks for noticing this, I love the sideway motion as well :) It takes around 50 hours to make.

[@mlight6845]

The sideways movement makes is all come together.

[@nineteenfortyeight6762]

I'd like to see how you figure things out!

[@rafezetter8003]

@@nineteenfortyeight6762 Well, generally I start with a drawing, then decide what dimensions I want and..... oh, you mean Sylvain...

[@JeremyRms]

50 hours only??

[@michelleschry1255]

I admired the piece on Instagram. The process video is wonderful. My favorite part may have been watching you strap the patient down for dissection - surely a stressful moment after your beautiful carving. Well done sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot. Yeah it kind of is my favourite part as well and it kind of isn't.... :D It is very stressful indeed. I thought that after a few times it wouldn't but no...

[@sylvieshuu]

That's incredible! I love how the movement of the whale resembles stop motion animation in real time! Absolutely beautiful automaton.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks a lot

[@flowergardenevent1951]

😢😅😅

[@Jackie777]

I'm... I'm in love. With the craftsmanship, yes, but also editing, the way you quiet down the loud machinery, but add wind and rain, and your workplace, it looks so cosy, dude, you're like a ghibli character! I'm so glad I found you. You deserve the world.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Aw.. you made my day. :) Thanks a lot

[@OkiSmokey]

This is seriously amazing! I love the extra movement from the spacing of the wire, I’ve never seen anything use the diagonal like that! I especially love that you designed it to show off the mechanism, as much as it is simple looking, it brings a whole new character to it all!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks. Sometimes people say that I should hide the mechanism but I really like showing it.

[@Nabooze]

@@SylGAUTIER it adds to the artwork in my opinion

[@howardebenstein3204]

The contrast between the mechanicals and the organic movement of the whale is very cool.

[@elivile.]

Imagine having the patience that this must've taken to create something so damn beautiful.

[@johnsexton3841]

Mesmerizing to watch and mind boggling to think about the skill and talent in making a Wooden Migaloo. I would love to own one of these pieces of art one day.

[@grover9187]

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder how he learned? More importantly if he teaches. I'd like to know this artisanship is passed onto to someone else.. I guess a KZbin video technically counts as teaching.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@grover9187 I made a change of career to woodworking 3 years ago and learned a lot about wood with a cabinet maker. As for the automaton I learned everything on my own, trying and failing a lot and a lot of youtube video about everything and anything.

[@bryanrudelich1319]

@@SylGAUTIER Beautiful. If you have not already, check out the works of Arthur Ganson.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@bryanrudelich1319 I will, thanks

[@Sturmhut]

This just made my day! Your ingenuity and craftsmanship is absolutely remarkable!

[@RylaDuska]

This is perfect. Poetic even. It was so beautiful to watch a masterpiece come to life.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you I'm very happy you liked it :)

[@StoneTitan]

Impressive. Looked better than I expected, and I could easily imagine that you'll make even better ones in the future.

[@jeanathey767]

Simply stunning! Thank you for showing us every step, especially the hinge mechanism. To hear the church bells (or street clock) in the background brought me right back to French villages.

[@SylGAUTIER]

You're welcome :)

[@Nettle314]

That is sick! Well done !! Beautiful

[@dadbad67]

Creativity accuracy and precision

[@mkyeti8]

This is an absolutely stunning piece. It’s inspiring. Beautifully done video too.

[@charliegirrl31]

Absolutely breathtaking and inspiring, thank you for sharing 🥰

[@SylGAUTIER]

My pleasure

[@Shade11906]

Oh, this was the best 25 minutes I've spent on KZbin in years! I really enjoyed watching you work and the final artwork was truly magical! Thank you, so much, for sharing it!

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it so much :)

[@rebecculousrk]

The engineering of the device, and working out the lovely motion, I’m so deeply impressed by both the creativity and the design. This is just so impressive. My dad is a master woodworker. He’s 88 now, I sent him this video. Ironically, he was also instrumental in passing legislation prohibiting the capture of orcas in Washington State’s coastal waters. That this beautiful video combines two of my father’s passions made watching it a very special experience. Thank you for filming and posting this remarkable project.❤❤❤

[@SylGAUTIER]

With great pleasure. Your father sounds awesome!!

[@fairstival3792]

This is so cool! It reminds me of the wooden snake toys I used to have as a kid. I sometimes forget just how much work goes into making toys and wood crafting in general. Great work seriously amazing.

[@janeabarlow]

What a beautiful thing you have made. Thanks for making the video, it's truly amazing.

[@ramanidpr40]

so beautifull and smooth , you done that so well .....looks amazing ......i would love to put that in my garden wind whirling project

[@joepie221]

Absolutely amazing work. Why this channel doesn't have a million subscribers is a mystery. I'll give you a shout out.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks Joe :)

[@joepie221]

@@SylGAUTIER Do I have your permission to include a link to this video/channel?

[@SylGAUTIER]

Of course, no worries

[@SylGAUTIER]

Could you send me the link of where you'll share please?

[@joepie221]

@@SylGAUTIER I sent you the link, but the comment didn't appear. Maybe trapped in the hold folder?

[@rajilifeable]

Amazing work you are a great man 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💕

[@kingyoman1]

Magnífico!

[@BonafideGail]

I have NEVER seen such art! Thank you for sharing this.

[@Bloodstop]

Amazing to watch and thank you for taking the time!

[@dariosuaza5460]

Que trabajo y obra de arte tan espectacular!!!

[@kzookid2051]

I love how you show all the processes, down to cleaning out the extra wax on the waves. I look forward to exploring more of your channel and Instagram page. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

[@SylGAUTIER]

My pleasure

[@julieden1820]

I’ve never seen anything so beautiful, such smooth movement

[@Badger705]

That is the most incredible toy I have ever seen! What amazing talent!

[@RichardLeonard1]

Great to see a full making of video, really interesting to watch! Keep up the great work :)

[@SylGAUTIER]

I will ! Thank you

[@markbehm]

Thanks for the great video! The little temporary wire-spring-clips to find the link lengths: Genius.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@ellisburton8733]

A total joy to be able to share in your journey 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@cesareduardo130]

OMG, I watched this on IG, I loved it, and now I can admire how beautiful the process was, thank u so much, you're a gifted human!!

[@jonathangrussing7163]

Really interesting project. Inspired me to try to make one for my grandson. What kind/size/gauge of wires do you use for the mechanism?

[@SylGAUTIER]

Please show it to me when finished. I used 1mm piano wire

[@jonathangrussing7163]

@@SylGAUTIER. Finally got it done. Just in time for Christmas. Not sure how to send you the video though. Doesn’t seem to be a way to add a video to this message.

[@SylGAUTIER]

@@jonathangrussing7163 you can add it to your KZbin and send me the link if you want

[@D_i_a_m]

absolument magnifique, vous êtes un véritable artiste, j'ai hâte de voir d'autre vidéos de vos créations ^^

[@SylGAUTIER]

Merci. Moi aussi j'ai hâte de les voir :D

[@tonyhansom3160]

Truly a work of art. Thank you for posting.

[@skully7763]

Stunningly beautiful work! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@jennylawson1980]

I’ve never seen something so beautiful made with such detail and affection. You are absolutely amazing at your talent and craft. I am totally 💯 in awe. Incredible work. I hope someday you create an entire collection of under the sea 🌊 creatures. You are very very gifted.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thank you I'm very happy you like it.

[@alex8426]

Absolutely beautiful piece of art. Thanks for sharing your talent and great video. Will be following you now and I can't wait for another awesome project of yours.

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks, I can't wait as well :)

[@Kruudelis]

The fluidity of the movement is amazing!

[@bearkline2603]

Brilliantly Done!!!

[@fazan.art.]

Wonder!!!🍀🍀🍀

[@DaveGDesigns]

I saw this on IG and I'm so pleased I found your video on here, the work you put in is amazing and the results are just as astounding I'm blown away and would love to try something like this myself but maybe somewhat simpler to start :)

[@SylGAUTIER]

Thanks :) Let me know if you try to make one

[@mafo7302]

Hermosísimo trabajo!! Un artesano artista, genio !!!!

[@kegelschneckenmett2026]

A piece of art. Thx 4 sharing.

[@Rigus208]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent . I’ve seen this on Pinterest never did I think I would see how it was made . Hope to see more of your skills 👍😇

[@SylGAUTIER]

I'm very glad you liked it :)

[@thomearle1294]

Outstanding in every way! Thank you.

[@adelheidsnel5171]

Absolutely stunning! Bravo Maestro

[@paulreynolds9003]

This is why I love KZbin. Where else would you get programme’s like this. A true craftsman

[@ajlancapa]

Delicate details, love it. Thank you shared it!

[@jamesjansenvanvuuren1287]

Absolutely BRILLIANT ...

[@fepatton]

Absolutely stunning!

[@davidmclaughlin2110]

A modern day Geppetto! Wonderful!

[@rinsom5091]

Speechless..... the most beautiful wooden structure I have ever seen!

[@doggoluvr133]

Amazing craftsmanship

[@MummyCookie123]

An absolutely stunningly crafted piece. Wonderful to watch so skilled and so beautiful !!

[@anthonypeter6755]

I really love your work

[@tammydow6112]

Excellent...love it!

[@stephennoyce2528]

Absolutely stunning!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@senildojose4270]

Parabéns pela linda arte !!!!!

[@marydegenkolb9603]

Amazing carving and action. Stunning!

[@winiata4556]

Simply amazing! That is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@RachelBirdy]

Exquisite result!

[@paulmacnally206]

Wonderful work.

[@russbird8257]

Beautiful work of art .. Thank you .

[@dawndare3949]

Your art makes you immortal.

[@chrisferguson237]

Simply beautiful

[@scarbados2494]

A master at his craft, respect

[@miguelmoreno1043]

Simplemente ¡¡¡ maravilloso !!!!

[@adamulias2315]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Stellar work!! 😀👍

[@patriciaandrade9443]

Estupendo! Gracias 👍🏿

[@c0ldc0ne]

The way it moves looks like a stop motion animation.

[@ruperthartop7202]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing

[@danielstandring1378]

Beautiful piece of work..

[@isabelapm9335]

wow how incredible!!!

[@alaindemasson8732]

Beautiful work. All respect

[@matthewbiondi1399]

This is amazing, thank you for sharing your process

[@Heartford]

Incredible skills and art

[@silife750]

Amazing 😮

[@jimkaleta9815]

Beautiful job.

[@MarHerH]

Your work is impressive! Thanks for sharing it.

[@viridiangreen8259]

Brilliant - well done

[@amy_ambrosio]

This is extraordinarily precious, tysm for sharing ✨

[@mariaisabelfigueiredo8475]

Admirável seu trabalho. Parabéns.

[@xirkira]

wow, the movement is so beautiful

[@ridicknight1276]

Truly an extraordinary handiwork....!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@tyleryoast8299]

OMG. It moves like it's out of a dream. This is wonderful.

[@garrattfan]

Good story telling - excellent videography - amazing result. Quelle beauté. Merci!

[@CelticDreamsCoUk]

Stunning

[@TheDreadedQuester]

Very nicely done! I love watching you work.

[@gill4722]

Fantastic work, I love the aestetic, the realistic movement of the whale, and the love you putted in every detail...the top is that mini-lathe you created with the drilling machine!Amazing!!!❤

[@PauloMundo]

Incroyable...... respect

[@jozseftorok2416]

Wonderful!! Great skill and patience.

[@Lippitydo]

Mesmerizing! Serious talent!

[@NarenderKumar-pk1cn]

Man is highly skilled and experienced Video is 100 Times better than video of cooking non veg meat

[@danielle7397]

Incredible! thanks for sharing this

[@Magnificent731]

The gift of the imagination and the inclined skill to embrace the magical . Magnificent. !!