David Ro: The Kinetic Sculptor

Summary

In this article, we will explore the world of David Ro, a kinetic sculptor with over 40 years of experience. Ro creates mesmerizing sculptures that are both artistic and mechanically driven. Each of his over 30 designs and 7,000 pieces is powered by a constant force spring or weight drive and controlled by an escapement mechanism that releases energy incrementally, creating motion and restarting the cycle. Despite the challenges, Ro continues to push the envelope and explore new possibilities for his sculptures.

The Mechanics Behind the Art
Pushing the Limits of Motion
The Importance of Balance and Testing
Naming and Passion

The Mechanics Behind the Art

David Ro is a problem solver who creates sculptures with mechanisms that produce different types of motion. He started with simple motion and gradually developed more complex patterns and optical effects. Ro’s background in physics comes in handy when explaining how his sculptures work, and he has tinkered with different mechanisms and materials to reduce energy loss due to friction and sound. While some of his sculptures create tension, others are relaxing and calming, like watching a fire. Although some people claim that his sculptures create perpetual motion, Ro knows that this is impossible due to the conservation of energy law.

Pushing the Limits of Motion

Roy’s goal is to create chaotic motion, which is challenging but well-defined in physics and engineering. He uses computer programs to design and animate his sculptures and then builds them by hand using tools like drills, sanders, and hammers. Roy tests his sculptures to ensure they produce the intended motion and can run for long periods of time, although longer run times often mean slower motion. Despite the challenges, Roy continues to push the envelope and explore new possibilities for his sculptures.

The Importance of Balance and Testing

Roy is a sculptor who spends a lot of time balancing the large wooden parts of his sculptures. He uses brass weights embedded in the back to achieve balance. Testing is also an important part of the assembly process, as Roy leaves the sculptures running for a day to identify and fix any issues before they reach the customer.

Naming and Passion

Naming is another crucial step, and Roy keeps a list of hundreds of potential names. Sometimes, the entire process can take over a year, but Roy’s passion for finding creative solutions keeps him going. He enjoys solving problems and doesn’t plan on running out of ideas anytime soon.

Conclusion

David Ro is a master of kinetic sculpture who has spent over 40 years perfecting his craft. His sculptures are both artistic and mechanically driven, powered by constant force springs or weight drives and controlled by escapement mechanisms. Ro’s passion for finding creative solutions and pushing the limits of motion has led him to create over 30 designs and 7,000 pieces, each with its own unique name and personality. Despite the challenges, Ro continues to explore new possibilities for his sculptures, inspiring others to do the same.