Theo Jansen is the creator of the “Strand Beests.” These whimsical wind-powered robots prowl the beaches of Holland’s North Sea. They tickle, charm, amuse, and totally astound whoever sees them.
Here are links to two short online videos:
http://www.wimp.com/kineticsculpture/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcR7U2tuNoY
I had the privilege of both meeting the artist and chasing one of his magical beasts down the streets of Camden, Maine during a PopTech conference. The experience took my breath away and put a smile on my face that lasted for hours. These almost-living sculptures gave me a glimpse of the life-affirming possibilities when art, engineering, and nature act in concert.