In the heart of NIDA, Sydney, Australia, Eva Taylor, an artist at EKT Workshop, embarked on a captivating research project that brought forth an extraordinary creation: Alien, an animatronic rod puppet. Inspired by the infamous “bambi burster” from the movie Alien 3, Taylor’s creature stands as a unique entity, a testament to her artistic vision and technical prowess.
The Mechanical Masterpiece:
Alien is a marvel of mechanical engineering, controlled by a PlayStation 3 controller connected to an iRobota Uno board via a servoshock module. This ingenious setup grants Taylor precise command over the puppet’s movements, allowing for a captivating performance. The puppet boasts an impressive array of animatronic features, including an 8-way, 2-stage tail mechanism, animatronic lips, jaw, and tongue, while the remaining parts are rod-controlled, ensuring a seamless blend of mechanical precision and artistic expression.
A Symphony of Materials:
The construction of Alien involved a harmonious blend of materials and techniques. The torso and limbs were meticulously hand-carved from Queensland Maple, lending an organic beauty to the creature’s form. The joints, custom-made from recycled RC car and plane parts, provide smooth and responsive movement. The tail skeleton, crafted from acrylic and precisely cut using a laser cutter, adds an element of structural integrity and flexibility. The head, a marvel of engineering, features an underskull made of fiberglass, dental acrylic teeth, and silicone skin, creating a realistic and captivating presence.
The Art of Movement:
Taylor’s Alien is not merely a static sculpture; it’s a dynamic performer, capable of conveying a range of emotions and actions through its intricate movements. Videos shared by Taylor showcase the making-of process, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and technical expertise behind this remarkable creation. In a dramatic piece, Alien takes center stage, captivating the audience with its fluid movements and expressive performance, blurring the line between art and life.
Bonus: The creation of Alien serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities at the intersection of art and technology. Taylor’s work not only showcases her artistic vision but also highlights the potential for animatronics to transcend mere entertainment and become a medium for artistic expression and storytelling. It’s a reminder that the fusion of creativity and innovation can yield extraordinary results.
As Taylor continues to explore the realm of animatronics, we eagerly anticipate the future creations that will emerge from her workshop, pushing the boundaries of art and technology even further.
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