Title: Surface Tension

Materials: laminated wood, fibreglass, aluminium tubing, galvanised sheet, electronic equipment (PLCs, relays, proximiter sensors)

Date: 2003

Dimensions: 100 x 130 x 1400 cm

This work involves both mechanical and electronic components. The viewer triggers boat activity via a motion sensitive sensor. Movement of the boat is controlled by 24 V input via solenoids which are programmed to switch on and off according to electric inputs from a binary bitmap which is programmed in the PLC. This bitmap contains rows of binary signals that create the boat's forward and backward, both slow and fast motion for a period of about 2 minutes. The boat progresses towards the end of the track.

The basic wiring of the solenoids is shown in the sketch below with annotations of problems that occurred during testing.          

            Click this image to view 2 images.
           Click the second image to return here.

   The solo Boatman & the 3 man Boatman

There are similarities between this work and the solo Boatman. For more details on that work, click HERE.

Similarities: the boat is driven by a windscreen wiper motor located at the "home" end of the track under the boathouse. A Progrsmmsble Logical Controller (PLC - a small industrial computer) is programmed to control the movement of the boat in each case.

Differences: the solo boatman rowing motion is generated by friction.
Rowing action of each of the 3 men in the boat is independently generated by three 24v motors located next to each in the boat. These motors in turn are each controlled by a PLC with its own programmed logic, located inside the boat. Each of the figures is programmed to move independently and in a random fashion.
The solo boatman is driven by a 12v (windscreen wiper) motor; the 3 man boat by a 24v motors.

                Role of the proximity sensor

A proximity sensor located at the boat's axle signals that the boat is moving. This then activates the PLC inside the boat which in turn generates the rowing motion of each of the 3 rowers. Each rower has a proximity sensor attached to its own motor. This attempts to keep the rowing motion relatively uniform but his quickly vanishes as the rowing progresses.

These details are included for any who are interested in identifying the various stages of developing a complex motorised sculpture.

This information is of special interest to me, the creator, as it provides an aide memoire for the various stages.to bring the work back into working order from time to time.

The boat system is mechanised by a 24 volt current. This activates the windscreen wiper motor which drives the boat backwards and forwards along its 14 m track and additionally provides current for the  Rockwell Programmable Logical Controller (PLC). A series of pulleys at each end of the track in able its motion along the track. sensors located at each end of the track signal when the boat has reached each of those points
The rowing movement of each of the three figures in the boat is achieved by motors activated by 24 volts. This is achievedby an active 24v wire running the length of the track and making contact with a brass plug located underneath the boat.
The sequence of images below illustrates how this is achieved.

The mechanicsof the entire work revolved around ensuring that 24 V power is transmitted seamlessly. With each fresh installation connections had to be meticulously cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.

These images show the systems driving the boat backwards and forwards along the track.

These images show the mechanics and electrics that drive the rowers inside the boat.

Power into the boat:
is delivered by means of 2 wires that are tensioned the length of the track and powered from the boathouse. One carries 24v and the other the 0v earth. They make contact via 2 separate bronze plugs located underneath the boat.

From the Age review of the Lempriere works, March 10 2004 by Robert Nelson.

……
Arthur Wicks's solar-powered boat that runs on a track like a train is a trifling toy of flippant allegorical aspect.

Surface Tension installed on the lake at Werribee Mansion

Arthur Wicks' interactive piece, Surface Tension, has the power (to work) directly with the site and simultaneously penetrating the world-weary soul. Activated by the presence of the spectator, and powered by the sun, the whimsical boatmen set off on their futile journey. Theirs is a narrative without conclusion, a destination never achieved. As they propel their primitive craft across the lake and back, the humour of their jerking mechanical movements but thinly veils the pathos of their entrapment.

Dr Marilyn Walters
Catalogue essay for the inaugural University of Western Sydney (now known as WSU) Acquisitive Sculpture Award 2004

To read the entire article click HERE

Ship of Fools
installation diagram for Federation Square

installed Federation Square, Melbourne
September - November 2009