Kinetic Wind Sculpture: Spinning, Wind Driven, Metal, Copper And Lyman Whitaker

Wind sculptures are art in motion. These sculptures use kinetic energy to create movement within the piece. The wind propels parts of the three dimensional object, causing them to spin and turn. The design of the sculpture allows for it to be responsive to wind currents. This produces changes in the form and creates a fascinating piece of art.

Wind sculptures are most commonly made of durable and long lasting metal materials. Copper is a wonderful material because it lasts a long time and is pleasing to the eye. Copper wind sculptures can be painted with a clear coat or with color to protect the material from tarnishing. Having a natural finish means the copper was left untreated. When copper is left untreated, after several weeks it tarnishes and typically turns a dark copper-brown color. Over several years, untreated copper naturally develops a greenish blue patina. This occurs by oxidation on the surface creating a film or incrustation. Patina is often seen as having decorative value, most especially for wind driven sculptures because it then blends into the natural surroundings.

Lyman Whitaker is a renowned artist known best for his kinetic wind sculptures. He has over forty years of experience in sculpture. For the past fifteen years he has worked on abstract wind sculptures. He uses sharp geometric shapes for many of his pieces and organic curves in others to emulate objects and shapes found in nature. He uses copper and steel for his wind sculptures. The titles of his pieces give insight to his inspiration for the work, such as Bean Pole, Desert Lily, Double Helix, Galaxy, and Wind Dancer. His work ranges in size from a few feet to over twenty feet high.

A spinning wind sculpture reflects the mood of the wind. It acts differently depending on the speed and quality of the wind. Most wind sculptures are built to withstand high winds. Several of Whitaker's work has been displayed outside for over fifteen years and looks just as good as the day it went up. Wind sculptures are made to move in even the gentlest wind.

Wind sculptures are great for wide open spaces or for a small garden or back yard. These mysterious and unique sculptures are enchanting. The look of them is of personal preference, but when they are in motion they have an authority, a meaning, and a complexity that will keep you intrigued for years to come. Wind sculptures are visually interesting when still, but truly riveting when in motion.





"Kinetic Sculptures by Paul Penny." Aero Kinetic. 2006. AeroKinetic Studios. 16 Nov. 2006 .

"Lyman Whitaker." Art Ask: the American Artists Bluebook. 2006. AskART. 16 Nov. 2006 .
"Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures." Envision Gallery. 16 Nov. 2006 .