Arthur Higgins, MFA
THREE UP
d.b.a. Oak Run Studios, 888 Marsh Cutoff PO Box 499, Mosier, Oregon, 97040 (541) 716-1810 ©2010
Fine Art

Three Up is a new mechanical system for me. The wedge is the most efficient and friction free pivoting system. In fact, locomotives are weighed on a wedge type scale. The three forms are not locomotives, but with 40+ pound rocks is sure feels like it when I lift them.

This design is for very strong and directional winds. By that I mean the wind direction need to be on the face or back of the sculpture, not the side. The forms are so balanced as to flatten out horizontal in a strong gust, letting the wind go by, and instantly springing back. The wedge stays in the same spot and has done so for days in continuous winds of 20 mph or more. I have "keeper" in place as a safety measure, that is to keep the wedge on the track, but it is rarely needed.

Three Up will also move in no wind at all, just convection currents, so essentially it is always moving.

I would recommend greasing the wedge once a year. Spraying with liquid auto wax once a year will stop the rust patina as well.


This is the preliminary setup. The wedge is 1/2" spring steel. Only a rod is in place as a guide in this version. In a strong gust of wind the wedge flattens out against the back lip which is higher than the plate it is resting on and forces the wegdge back to the center of the plate.

The keeper is the black shape that goes all the way around the plate so if the wedge flattens out the keeper prevents the wedge from slipping off the plate altogether. The rod has been replaced by angle iron on both sides of the wedge which puts the wedge into a track and prevents it from twisting.