Martha Stewart learns the history of automata

Here's a clip of Martha Stewart learning about various forms of automata through history from the famous video game creator and collector, Richard Garriott.

[ Thanks Karin! ]

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More video of Pablo Lavezzari's 'The Jailer'

I posted video of The Jailer automaton in action the other day. Here is more video of this automaton by artist Pablo Lavezzari showing the back of the piece and how it is operated.

From the video description:

Explanation about the piece THE JAILER. Death locks the souls in jails from where they will never be able to escape and return to the world of the living. But this time Death herself has been trapped. An despite of all her fury, a dog-shaped and a crow-shaped demon will prevent her from escaping.

See more automata by Pablo Lavezzari on his web site.

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THE JAILER - automaton by Pablo Lavezzari

Another amazing automaton by Pablo Lavezzeri. As usual, the video production is as impressive as the automaton!

See more automata by Pablo Lavezzri on his web site.

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'Flying away from my demons' - automaton video

Another amazing new automaton by artist Pablo Lavezzari.

See more of Pablo Lavezzari's automata on his web site.

[ Thanks Pablo!, Thanks Sergio! ]

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'El Gran Garmendia the magician' automaton

'El Gran Garmendia the magician' is an absolutely amazing new automaton from artist Pablo Lavezzari. Lavezzari has a way of incorporating surprising and clever features in ways I greatly admire. He is one of my favorite automata artists -- without question.

The video production is top-notch too! A pleasure to watch.

See more of Pablo Lavezzari's automata Flash-based web site.

[ Thanks Pablo!, Thanks Sergio! ]

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The Death Trick automaton ... great video!

I've posted about the stunning work of Argentinian automata-maker Pablo Lavezzari and even about the particular piece shown here. In rewatching the video the other day, I noticed that the number of views on YouTube was far too low.

This is a clever, adept, cohesive, and funny automaton by one of the most creative minds in the genre. Do check it out!

Learn more about artist Pablo Lavezzari on his web site.

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Automaton by Pablo Lavezzari: Facing a Fake Foe

The latest automaton from Pablo Lavezzari is fantastic. Simply amazing.

The scene depicts an armored knight fighting a mechanical dragon which is controlled by a goblin behind the scenes. Not only is the piece meticulously detailed, but it also has an integrated smoke effect...that's not just for the video clip! The dragon also roars.

Just when you think this automaton could not possibly get any better, there is more. A monster hidden in a tree is exposed by turning a rock that makes up part of the scenery. Finally, the small crossbow prop is more than a prop: it is a functioning miniature crossbow.

I am impressed on every level. Facing a Fake Foe has humor, ingenuity, novel features, hidden tricks, and details that exceed expectations.

Visit the KINETICDREAMS blog to read more about the piece.

Animated Diorama Automaton of a Shipwreck

Just when you think you've seen all of the great automata from Pablo, there is another! Check out this animated diorama of the inside of a shipwrecked boat.

His attention to detail and creativity are always impressive.

Visit Pablo Lavezzari's site to see this and other works.

Manual Lever-Controlled Head Automaton

Another innovative piece from automaton maker Pablo Lavezzari. Somewhere between robot, puppet, and automaton, the piece is entitled Urban Face II. The piece allows the view/user to control the head's various motions using an array of levers and knobs.

See this and other pieces by Pablo Lavezzari on his web site at: http://www.kineticart.com.ar/.

Learn more about Making and Manipulating Marionettes. The book includes: the principles of marionette design; advice on carving, modeling, and casting puppet parts; explanations for marionette control, stringing, and manipulation; instructions for the construction and jointing of human and animal marionettes; and secrets for achieving a range of special effects.

Steampunk Flying Fish Submarine Automaton

Another great piece from the hands of Pablo Lavezzari - a talented automata-maker from Argentina. This one is entitled Utopia.

See a full assortment of beautiful photographs of this piece at on this page of his site.