Functional Sculpture

The FinkelClock Collection

Leo made these "sculpture clocks" mostly from junk electronic and mechanical parts and scrap pieces of Plexiglas. They bring together the form of artistic sculpture with the functional elegance of a timepiece in a powerful and meaningful way. OK, never mind, but they do look strange and tell time.

NOTE: Some of the descriptions below may not be totally accurate.

 

  
Tape Clock #1. This extraordinary confluence of Plexiglas and hardwood forms the backdrop for a stylish timepiece. Built around an old backup tape "liberated" from an unnamed computer center (I'm almost sure the tape didn't have anything important on it), this clock dominates all that exists in its domain. Tape Clock #2. This follow-on FinkelClock uses a smaller backup tape from the same unnamed computer center that donated the tape for Tape Clock #1. The breathtaking three-dimensional radial arrangement of chips that forms the center coupled with the swinging CPU chip pendulum creates a powerful hypnotic experience.
Cube Clock #1. Built from an old Plexiglas cube and thick polycarbonate sections, this clock uses gas plasma lights, multiple reflecting optical layers, and a CD-R's mirrored surface to create an awesome atmosphere of power and elegance. This clock was the prototype for Cube Clock #2. Cube Clock #2. Extending on the proven optical and gas plasma techniques develooped and demonstrated in Cube Clock #1, this clock provides a larger, more dominating presence. Both cube clocks took advantage of surplus Plexiglas cubes once used as display devices at the Museum Company store.
Mantle Clock #1. Built from oak, an old CD, and some leftover IC chips, this clock provides a more traditional timepiece for a sophisticated setting. It doesn't flash, it isn't all that sexy, but it does tell time and chimes on the hour. In fact, the wood case and rich Plexiglas covering provide a superb resonant cavity for the chimes. Circuit Board Clock #1. This wall clock is built using the finest #2 pine available in the garage and old memory boards from an unnamed computer teaching laboratory of yesteryear. The boards provide the dial and backdrop for the pendulum, while wire nuts provide the necessary indicators. Elegant Plexiglas covers the the front of the entire assembly.
This sculpture brings together the form of great art with the function of a powerful lamp and a superbly accurate clock. Towering above surrounding objects of lesser importance, the Finkel-sculpture is meticulously handcrafted from the finest oiled oak and tough, virtually indestructible Lexon Plexiglas, and sophisticated electronic components. Exquisitely fitted into the base is a fully functional exit sign that once hung proudly from the ceiling in the Russ Engineering Center. It now hangs even more proudly as part of the Finkel-sculpture, extending below a breathtaking display of energized gas plasma bulbs. The hypnotic orange glow from these tubes forms the dial of a high-technology, state-of-the-art timepiece, along with a variety of passive oscillator circuits pulsing additional plasma tubes and adding to the aesthetic power of the display. Various layers of Plexiglas provide multiple optical paths for reflected images, creating an astounding, interactive galaxy of lights not unlike the Alaskan sky during a Northern Lights event on a crisp winter's eve. Extending above the gas plasma section is a study but elegant aluminum pole. An earth-friendly, energy efficient lamp and shade system is mounted at the upper reaches of this pole, providing a bright beacon of light for all who venture near. "Temporal Oscillation Clock". This wall clock was built circa 1990 and makes extensive use of gas plasma bulbs and parallel relaxation oscillator circuits to create its artistic effect. Multiple optical reflections are created with various parallel layers of Plexiglas. This clock has been donated to, and is now on permanent display in, the Department of Electrical Engineering at Wright State University.