"Nomad" 1984 Acrylic on wood with lights, motors and electronic sound system. 42 x 16 x 11.

“Nomad” 1984 Acrylic on wood with lights, motors and electronic sound system. 42 x 16 x 11. Updated July 2007 with new electronics, wiring and general restoration. Private collection.

The piece was inspired by an episode of the wonderful “Star Trek” TV series. Nomad was a robot sent into deep space to seek new life forms, but then becomes evil after a collision with an alien probe. Cool! The robot in the 1967 show is roughly about the same size as my 1984 sculpture. My design certainly reflects the styles and sensibilities of the 1980’s, with its neoclassical columns and pod feet. In the upper section a small electric motor powers a tumbling space ship, and in the lower section little doors open to reveal a light-up cubist face. The piece also has a sound track, originally supplied on a looping cassette player in the lower section. In 2007 by request of the owners, rewired and updated the piece with stereo speakers and an iPod playback system.

Drifting silently looking for new worlds. Malfunction! I have lost my identity and original purpose.

  • Date: July 24, 1984
  • Size: 43 x 16 x 11 in
  • Medium: Acrylic on mixed materials
  • Private Collection