The Story of "School's Out"
"School's Out" is a tongue in cheek automata creation. The fish lazily swim from school after a long day of learning instead of fleeing madly like most children do. This automata was meant to be peaceful and restful as the fish float up and down while opening their mouths. The scales are wood burned onto the sides of fish which is much easier than carving them, yet tedious enough! The fins are thin pieces of birch plywood cut into the fish bodies. While I never meant for fish to be exact they most resemble small mouth bass. The completed project has a nice cottage feel to it. I had considered adding backpacks and school books but it seemed to me it might take away of the natural serenity of the piece.
The "School's Out" Video
A box of mechanism parts for assembly
Fish in stages of work before burning scales.
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Cams, clevises, rods and levers for up and down
Test fitting things up
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