Clockwork Reliquary of the EES: Clockwork Atomics x460

The most common question I receive is if I only draw on napkins. No. But I really like the material. Anyway, I do larger works on more traditional materials. They just take longer. A lot longer. What was a few hours turns into a few weeks. Not that it is not worth it. But I like the spontaneity of the smaller works. For whatever reason, I tend not to show them. Don't ask. I don't know why. I like keeping things to myself? I don't play nice with others? Who knows...who cares. Anyway here is one of my favorite recent larger works. While being overall larger (22x30) the drawing is built on the same scale...just a lot more of it.

All praise the EES! The Electric Eye of Science!

(I really should get out more.)

Pyramid As Viewed In Tethered Phases: Clockwork Atomics x324

Many of these drawings are of nothing in particular. Almost more of an visual/conceptual exercise. Start with a classic geometric form (a pyramid) and deconstruct it while keeping it whole. Create an object that has no definitive outside planes. Or one that is shown to be moving through itself in space. The general idea is that it is both inside out and not simultaneously. Which for me is the answer to the question of how do you get a bigger object in a smaller one. At any rate it is a hell of a way to kill time.

Orrery Of A Binary System With Five Orbiting Bodies: Clockwork Atomics x326

I would have to say that my favorite mechanical device is still the Orrery. An orrery is a model that shows the relative positioning and movement of astral bodies/systems. They can be highly detailed clockworks and are beautiful to watch. Many of my drawings have their genesis in orrerys. If not in subject then in the movement of the machine and its parts.

Folding Instructions For Turning A 2D Plane Inside Out: Clockwork Atomics x313

I remember one of the more enjoyable (maybe the only one) standardized tests I took as I child was one that tested aptitude. If I remember correctly (which I most likely don't), I performed amazing well in areas that had to do with spacial relations and reasoning. And did really poorly in areas that dealt with mechanics. The spacial part definitely played out in both work and my past times. But for the other it did not matter in any way as my fascination with mechanical devices only continued to grow. (Possibly due to my subconscious inability to understand them fully). Who knows?

Vergeltungswaffen-4 (V-4) Spacial Compression/Collapsing Engine: Clockwork Atomics x347

The Germans developed some scary technology for the time during the war. Even more frightening were the weapons and tech that never made it off of the drawing board. Tapping into every niche of scientific and arcane knowledge the projects that were discussed surely exceeded even the most wild imaginations and nightmares. This idea is continued in Mike Mignola's excellent Hellboy books. Many of which feature impossible machines and weapons.

Quantum Atomic Heart Of The Machine Of Apokolips: Clockwork Atomics x353

I borrowed a little from Jack Kirby here. A very very little but he was the genesis. The sculpting lines/tubes around the sphere gives volume and adds an element of primitive tech. Jack used vaguely similar line structures especially in his depictions of Apokolips and its technology. I have never been able to mimic his art to any degree of satisfaction but it continues to serve as a point of inspiration.

Omni-Directional Cathode Ray Emitter: Clockwork Atomics x297

A predecessor to the numerous death ray machines to come (I still lay the blame at Flash Gordon's feet). But it is the play between archaic and advanced tech that I continue to explore. Making something advanced with primitive items. One part Da Vinci and one part the Professor from Gilligan's Island.