The art of automata goes back centuries, usually crafted by superb Swiss watchmakers who were known for their detailed work. Their creations combined exquisite art with precise mechanism.
Watching an automaton in motion is an entrancing, mesmerizing experience. It has the power to draw the viewer in and evoke amazement and reflection on the human condition. It is also a distinctly mechanical, tangible, non-digital object, and a reminder that such objects inhabit our world in a way that the best digital creation cannot.
From a young age, David Dumbrell has had a fascination for all things mechanical: how they worked and how they moved. They always caught his eye and held his attention.
Soon after retiring from his woodworking business, David happened to notice Doug Taylor’s kinetic sculpture “The Wind Swimmer”, displayed at Kitsilano Swimming Pool in Vancouver. In his early research into this new interest, he came across automata. These intricate animated figures captivated him, and he decided to pursue creating his own.
Using gears, cams, levers and pulleys which David designs and fashions himself, he tries to capture the grace and fluidity of human movement. The concepts and execution of the pieces are his own, with the help of his wife Maryke who gives the pieces their personalities by painting and deciding upon the fabrics and colours. David also repurposes second-hand doll parts and doll clothing, giving them new life in unexpected ways.
Recently, David has branched out into metalwork, resulting in rolling ball sculptures and kinetic water fountains.
In just a few short years, David Dumbrell has garnered both local and international recognition for excellence and originality in his art and craftsmanship. David lives and works in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and is a member of the Sculptors Society of BC, an associate sculptor of Sculpture Northwest, and a member of ReVision.
