The Process

From these and other sketches, the lighting/projection crew and i were able to create 3d models to develop the design and simulate projector angles.

We could then start formating the frame. 40mm steel pipe was formed into two elipses and then 12mm re-bar used to build up the rest of the frame. The dimensions of this frame were found by removing the estimated thickness of driftwood from the scale drawings.

Reuben the absolute legend made this possible. We were able to get the frame securely attached to the building and begin forming the frames of the claws which were Canterlevered over the edge.

Finally driftwood could be attached to the frame with tie wire before more driftwood could be added by nail gun.

I was far too invested in this part of the build so didn't get many pictures.

A strong frame was built for each claw and attached in situ.  It wasn't long before i could start building the eyes and the feelers.

To make the eyes i used basketballs mosaiced with polished paua shell.

For the fellers I began by drilling holes in 6m lengths of 80mm PVC downpipe. The orientation of these holes was tested and designed to allow light through from L.E.D strips would needed to be placed inside after the feelers were installed. This meant installing a draw wire inside the pipe.

The design for the feelers involved scaffold pipe with a length of rebar, plug welded together and then mounted inside the pvc pipe. The last 2.5m of the pipe was bent so the rebar stopped shy, before they were wrapped in fencing brush.

The feelers were mounted by welding the scaffold pipe to the framing inside the head.

This frame helped strengthen the feelers but was flexible enough that they could sway in the wind.

After all the finishing touches - like installing the giant laser in its mouth, it was time for the event to start.