Automaton Project Review

The Basic Figure

Back in January’s Blog I used a very basic needle-felted figure as a starting point for an new automaton project. I’ve mentioned before that I have begun to work full-time so creative working time is limited. The project isn’t completed but I thought it was time to review where I am now and where I still have to go.

The Influence

The mechanism is very simple. The moving part has a rod that spins around. I wanted to base this automaton on a previous needle-felted figure I had made for an exhibition called “Upstaged”. She is a magician’s daughter with a pot of magical beings who serve her.

The figure being other worldly, I chose a pale skin colour combined with white hair. The story character has the ability to turn into a swan through wearing a swan skin. The pale, swan-like complexion is matched with an outfit decorated with feathers. The 1920’s style jumpsuit is supported with a Native Indian style beaded breast plate. The emphasis on blue is because in one version of this folk-tale the character is called “Blue Wing”.

The Automaton So Far

I took the basic figure, removed the face and rebuilt it. Then, tiny trousers were made and a floaty silk blouse was made. Instead of attaching feathers to the outfit this time, I decided to make a large feather fan to add some drama.

The outfit and hair are decorated with pearl-like and crystal-like beading. There is a small nod to the “Blue Wing” name with blue beads.

The Next Step

Creating the pot of moving magical beings is going to be the next challenge. It will be interesting to try and give the impression of these creatures racing out of the pot. This will be the subject for my July blog.

Thanks for reading my June Blog.