Lin Emery and Kinetic Art

Kinetic art:

Art from any medium that contains movement as perceived by the viewer or depends on motion for its effect. In more recent times kinetic art typically refers to 3D sculptures and figures that move by natural means or are machine operated. However, kinetic arts definition has been blurred with typically 2D mediums suggesting "apparent movement" as in op art (optical art) and other movements. 1800s impressionists also employed the term such as Monet, Manet, and Degas suggesting movement in 3 dimensional space through motion suggesting stylistic qualities.

Emery's sculpture is powered by the wind and she states her inspiration is directly derived from nature. Most of her forms however are fractal and composed of highly polished and manufactured pieces of metal juxtaposing an otherwise objective perception of nature as flawed and organic. No doubt Calder is also an influence in the dangling rhythmic patterns of her sculptures.

“My sculpture is kinetic, meaning that it moves. The elements are derived from nature, and I borrow natural elements — wind, water, magnets — to set them in motion. The rhythms are influenced by infinite variables: the points of balance, the normal frequency of each form, the interruption of the counterpoise. I juggle, juxtapose, and adjust to achieve the dance or pantomime that I want. Then the sculpture takes over and invents a fillip of its own.”
-Lin Emery