Tom Wilkinson 1
Let’s Bounce, 2008
Materials: LEDs, brass and other metals, bearings, slip rings, electronic sequencer, perspex and electric motor
Dimensions: 100cm x 40cm x 40cm
Auction Reserve: £4,000
Tom Wilkinson’s kinetic sculptures are investigations into the fabric of our world. Stemming from an early fascination with illusion and movement,
his work is drawing inspiration from astronomy and metaphysics, reflecting the constant motions, cyclical patterns and kinetic energies that are
universally present in our surroundings.
Recognizing that all matter and physical objects are made of particles in motion with vast gaps of nothingness between their composite atoms,
Wilkinson is interested in the movement of energy and the pattern that are created in the process. The spherical form is of particular interest as Wilkinson considers it to be the purest form in the physical world, the shape all matter, when fluid, gravitates towards. In 1998 Wilkinson began to experiment with spinning lights to produce illusory solid mass, where the traces of spun light produce volumic form. As a result, he created among other works, ‘Lets Bounce’, which explores the void
at quantum level, with reference to the atom and its field of electrons.
Tom Wilkinson has made mechanical sculpture and automata for museums, galleries and public spaces since 1991 with work sited all around the UK.
Since 1999 he has worked on large public art projects for Yorkshire and Lancashire such as Magna Science Adventure Park in Rotherham and in the
last few years he has been concentrating on wind powered sculpture, such as Light Air at Salisbury Hospital.