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Lara Greene
 
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My recent work consists mostly of kinetic mechanical sculptures, often with an interactive element. I invite people to activate levers attached to cables which can move a part of the sculpture. The people's engagement with the work and with each other completes the work and brings it to life creating a dynamic & changeable element which is equally important a part of my artwork as the as the physical sculpture itself. I aim to give people an enjoyable experience at the same time as requesting their cooperation. Operating the sculptures with the most rewarding results requires a sensitivity of touch and mental focus. It is fascinating when a machine which is expected to be strong, reliable and logical is able to express fragility and human-like feelings. The movements are fluid realistic as they are created by people and the engagement is very tactile and direct.

I also work for the collective organisation 'Amorphic Robot Works', based in New York. My primary role is to create custom designed inflatable forms to integrate with large scale robotic structures. These become art installations and performances which are shown internationally.

'Cage' detail
The ribs are bound by fine threads, this delicacy contrasts the metal Structure.

'KISSING' Artbots, Ghent, Belgium, 2006
Two people lift some special branches and two mechanical heads situated within them can perform a romantic kiss.

'Ape' 2002
The very first mechanical piece. Four people could bring the Ape to life via multi functional controls made from wood and scrap bike and car parts, the body was made from wood and plaster/scrim on wire mesh.  The piece was lifelike and a little eerie in the dark old warehouse building it existed in for a short time.

'Cage' SURVEY, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, EXHIBITION SHOWING NOW! UNTIL 18th DEC 2007
This motorised kinetic piece is a representation of a human ribcage which gently stretches back and folds forward in a stylised breathing motion.

'KISSING' Artbots, Ghent, Belgium, 2006
The final moment of the kiss, the eyes close and the lips pop out on little stalks to meet each other.

'Totemobile' 
Conceived of by Chico MacMurtrie and then designed and created during 2006/7 by an international team of engineers, specialist fabricators and technicians of Amorphic Robot Works.  My specialism was to create the inflatable forms which grow out of the 'car'.

'Death among Seeds'
The little golden skeleton lies down among germinating seeds which are strewn all around him/her.

'You Move Me' STRP Festival of Art & Technology, 2006
Someone shakes hands as she seems alive!

'Totemobile' - detail
A close up of some of the inflatable forms which emerge from flaps located inside the surface of the car form during the final part of its ascending sequence of action.

'Lost/Found'
The piece exists as a series of photographs.  In this one the little golden skeleton exists in a place between lost and found.

'You Move Me' STRP Festival of Art & Technology 2006
A human figure is controlled via 12 levers by members of the public.  The more they work together the more alive she seems.


Supported by the Scottish Arts Council and Edinburgh Council
© Copyright Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Ltd. 2007. All rights reserved.
Incorporated in Scotland Company No. 123174 Registered Charity No. SC002404