An automaton (plural: automata) is a self-operating machine, or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations. It is often used to describe moving sculptures that have been made to resemble humans or animals in action.
Historically, automata were considered technological marvels of their time. However, contemporary automata has it’s emphasis on art, rather than technological sophistication. Contemporary automata are represented by the works of Cabaret Mechanical Theatre in the United Kingdom, Le Défenseur du Temps by French artist Jacques Monestier, Thomas Kuntz, Dug North, & Brian Poor in the United States. I hope one day my name will be added to the list.
The inspiration for my automata come from the fantastical stop motion animations of Jan Švankmajer, Bolexbrothers, Quay Brothers, Jiří Trnka, Mike Jittlov, Ray Harryhausen, and Tim Burton.
