Conganaut
Inspiration came in the form of an old conga drum and some military surplus missile fins that just happened to be the same off-white color.
A counterweight mechanism is hidden inside the rocket so that it rolls in an elliptical motion when activated. The lights and motors are each controlled separately by way of a wireless remote control (this way the piece can be installed at great heights without causing complications in wiring).
Every element was found — scrap yards, second-hand stores, dumpsters — then cleaned, stripped, sorted and rebuilt. Found aluminum is TIG-welded and sanded seamless; nothing is cast. The electronics are salvaged from consumer devices, repaired and rewired so the piece does something when you touch it.
Materials
Everything in this piece had a previous life. Nemo’s own inventory, in his words.
Conga drum, missile fins, electric drill, ice cream scoops, chair arms, gear shift boot, bicycle brake levers, outdoor light fixture, freon condenser, springs, teapot spout, cooking pot, flower vase, lubricant filter, LEDs, motor, misc. aluminum scrap.
