Dinosaur
Dinosaur, 2009. Mains powered dinosaur, felt ramp.
Exhibitions often run for about a month. I went through three of these dinosaurs. They have a nice, energetic walking action; confident. I routed his power through a mains transformer and let him walk out on a little felt half-pipe. Each step would slide backwards: all motion, no progression. He was wearing out a small patch on the felt, the gears would grind to powder and the walking movement jerk and spasm.
During this time I became worried and purchased every one I could find, I still have four in circulation and some spare parts.
His tongue lights up, and his mouth opens when he roars. I took a lovely thing and let his enthusiasm break him.
It hurts a little when I think about the noise he made.
