Kinetic sculptor Giles Walker was invited to work with BA Visual Communication students to produce a temporary animatronic installation piece which is triggered by bespoke audio.
The students worked with Giles Walker to learn the basics of animatronics, utilising remote controlled servo motors and Arduino boards to enable audio triggered movement. The audio was provided by Boff Whalley (of Chumbawumba fame) and The Commoners Choir who created a bespoke choral piece for the project inspired by themes of sustainability and transformation.
The final outcome was a beguiling installation with kinetic sculptural components which ’sang’ along with the voices of the choir.
Giles Walker was invited to work with BA Visual Communication students as part of the Leeds Arts University Knowledge Exchange programme. The programme aims to offer students hands-on skills development opportunities with industry professionals to increase industry knowledge and professionalism. These experiences add something extra-curricular to student learning journeys and encourage students to engage with methods of teaching and learning which they may not necessarily receive from lecturing staff.