Let´s Reinvent the Wheel

WHen I fIrSt met Simon I realized that, in addition to a curious mindset and an eagerness to experiment, that roundness and rotation brings us together. e circle – or the sphere – is physics’ and nature’s own solution to many questions regarding optimization, such as the maximization of volume, while keeping the surface area containing the volume as small as possible.

ere is, in a practical way, an intuitive optimization in many of the projects that Simon has made: how do you get a construct to work according to your original plan, while still keeping it simple and a ordable? To minimize the use of resources in a creative way is an art in itself – furthermore you can learn and be engaged by the mechanics, uid mechanics, and choice of materials. rough the experience and the art piece it is easier to learn – through friction, ows, and the movement of mechanical constructs.

For the Ice Carousel Festival, we made an ice carousel, which was spun by wind power. I sawed out the ice carousel, while Simon built a wind sculpture on top of the carousel. e friction of a circular oating ice sheet is incredibly low. e installation spun nicely even though there was almost no wind at all. e wings of the construct show us a brilliant insight: the sails are durable and adjust themselves into the right positions in a tailwind, since there is a metal fence that serves as a support. is results in a quiet and mechanically durable construct. Plywood, for example, could also be used for the same purpose – but not for very long.

ese art pieces broaden your mind regarding mechanics and ows, and thereby encourage us to do experiments ourselves.

Janne Käpylehto Non- ction Author and Inventor