Painted steel on rotating wall mount. 30" x 22"x 4". 2011

Inspired by carnival and circus art, this kinetic sculpture changes from a smiling face to a frowning face as you turn the pivoting head. The illusion is made more profound through the use of kinetic facial elements that drop into position as the faces are swiveled into position.

In an effort to create engaging visual experiences, I have been working on sculptural illusions that explore the basic notion of perception. My focus has been concentrated on dimensional designs that literally change from one image to another. This idea of two-subjects-in-one warps our perception and makes us wonder how these images can be so ambiguous in our minds eye. To create this visual shift I employ carefully designed dimensional images that dynamically interact in three-dimensional space. In these sculptures, we can't quite believe our eyes.

My fascination with sculptural illusion began with the dual image parallax sculptures in 2006. In these public pieces, the observer sees different subjects depending on the angle at which the sculpture is approached. These are ideally suited for urban spaces where movement around the sculpture initiates changes in it's form.

The parallax sculptures led to a new idea that deals with facial recognition. In the Topsy Turvy Mechanica series, a garish painted face greets the viewer with a gaping grin. As the face is rotated upside-down a frowning face is miraculously revealed imbedded within the original visage.