Guest Contribution by Katerina Biliouri
Laikingland. A creative collaboration based in both the UK and The Netherlands, whose intention is to design and manufacture beautifully crafted kinetic objects that engage and evoke a sense of play and nostalgia. The company is built upon a life long friendship between british artist, Martin Smith and engineer, Nick Regan. In order to create all those fine kinetic objects d'art a number of people are involved; Louise Haley, Thomas Jennings, Samantha Bryan, Jim Bond, Ivan Black, Nik Ramage, John Lumbus, Jim Lockwood, Sofiane Zain and Guust Smits are members of the Laikingland family.
Title: Applause Machine
Designer: Martin Smith
Manufacturer: Laikingland
Description: Push the button and the Applause Machine claps it's hands for you.
Materials: Powder coated steel, brass, Walnut wood, plastic and motor.
Height: 45cm
Power: 2 x AAA Batteries (included)
Edition: Limited to 250 in each colour.
Colors: Currant Red, Graphite Black, Signal Green, Traffic Orange, Chalk White, Construction Yellow, Meccano Blue, Machine Grey, Plum Purple, British Racing Green.
Across the north of England "laik" actually means to play. Therefore, Laikingland is built around the notion of encouraging playfulness. Complimentary to this, their work represents their interest in narrative, humour and craftsmanship. If you happened to notice some Fingers tapping away impatiently for the last couple of weeks in the window of the Paul Smith store in Covent Garden, well those too are a Laikingland design! Their latest kinetic object Fingers by Nik Ramage will soon be also seen tapping away in the Copenhagen Paul Smith Store.
Title: Port Rectangles
Designer: by Ivan Black
Manufacturer: Laikingland in the UK.
Description: The near frictionless mechanism means that the Mobiles can be activated by an observer with a simple light blow.
Materials: Laminate, magnets, ball bearings and wooden base.
Dimensions: 23cm/9"
Power: Air.
Edition: Limited to 250 in this colour.
Colors: Port.
Through the design of such objects their aim is to encourage everyday playfulness in the lives of their customers. Their goal for the future is to make Laikingland’s products available to customers around the world. Therefore, new designs by invited artists & designers will be developed and launched annually.
The End. Press Applause Machine button. Clapping sound. Clap, clap!
Title: Port Rectangles
Designer: by Ivan Black
Manufacturer: Laikingland in the UK.
Description: The near frictionless mechanism means that the Mobiles can be activated by an observer with a simple light blow.
Materials: Laminate, magnets, ball bearings and wooden base.
Dimensions: 23cm/9"
Power: Air.
Edition: Limited to 250 in this colour.
Colors: Port.
Title: Fingers
Designer: Nik Ramage
Manufacturer: Laikingland in the UK.
Description: An eternally tapping copy of the artist’s own hand. At the flick of a switch the resin cast fingers drum rhythmically until switched off.
Materials: Cast resin, steel and motor.
Dimensions: Human hand.
Power: 2 x AA Batteries (included)
Edition: 10 artist's proofs for 2009.
Color: Masking Tape.
Title: Port Rectangles
Designer: by Ivan Black
Manufacturer: Laikingland in the UK.
Description: The near frictionless mechanism means that the Mobiles can be activated by an observer with a simple light blow.
Materials: Laminate, magnets, ball bearings and wooden base.
Dimensions: 23cm/9"
Power: Air.
Edition: Limited to 250 in this colour.
Colors: Port.
Title: Liquorice Loops
Designer: Ivan Black
Manufacturer: Laikingland in the UK.
Description: The near frictionless mechanism means that the Mobiles can be activated by an observer with a simple light blow.
Materials: Laminate, magnets, ball bearings and wooden base.
Dimensions: 30cm/12"
Power: Air.
Edition: Limited to 250 in this colour.
Color: Liquorice.
