Telus World of Science

I hadn’t visited the Telus World of Science since the recent renovations, so with a 3D printer village and a curious exhibit entitled Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys, this was a great opportunity for a weekend discovery.

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys is the mastermind of Steve Gerberich, an interactive sculpturist. With a photography background and a stint in New York City as a department store window dresser, Steve’s works bring everyday objects to life in some pretty unique and expressive ways.

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

Gerberich was raised on an Iowa farm and didn’t have to look far when looking for an abundance of old machine parts, pieces of furniture and cookware, toys, carnival figures and everything in between. His grandparents had amassed enough to start him on his way.

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

The 25 installations in this exhibition range from a wooden cow wearing high-top sneakers to an orchestra with life-size musicians Rollie, Norman, Frank, Woody, Jimmy and Jason, conducted by Lyman Shuey.

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

Fusing art and science, Steve is a firm believer that everything looks better in a museum. Think Marcel Duchamp, Alexander Calder, Jean Tinguely, mixed with a heavy dose of Robert Rasuchenberg!

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

By either cranking a wheel or pressing a button, each sculpture comes to life. Lights glow, gears spin, palm trees sway, and suitcase-toting geese fly off, sound effects included. A few simple laws of physics transform a variety of common objects into lively characters.

Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys Creativity in Motion: Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys

Both kids and adults will be mesmerized in one way or another. I simply enjoyed looking at all the tiny objects involved with each display. It takes two weeks to mount the exhibit, one that has travelled around the world. The Creativity in Motion exhibit will remain at Telus World of Science through September 2.

3D Printer Village 3D Printer Village 3D Printer Village

Another wonderful discovery was visiting the 3D printing village, part of the Machines and Me exhibit on through April 1. With the enormous popularity of 3D printing, I’m sure this won’t be the last 3D village that Science World hosts (the 3D printing village showcase ended last weekend).

3D Printer Village

My friend John Biehler recently gave a talk on 3D printing at South by Southwest in Austin. So many handy objects can be created by simply downloading or creating a model.

3D Printer Village 3D Printer Village 3D Printer Village

Thingiverse.com is a well-known site for uploading, sharing, and modifying 3D models. Each machine at the second-floor exhibit had something going on. Groups and forums such as 3D604.org meet regularly in the Lower Mainland to discuss all things 3D. Tinkerine Studio is a Vancouver-based 3D printing company that both designs and distributes custom 3D printing machines.

3D Printer Village

Their table is also where I came across Stephen Colbert’s head attached to an octopus. Vases, colourful Eiffel Towers, Xmas ornaments, lens cap holders, functional parts for other everyday items are all regular creations in the 3D world. Pieces can be turned around anywhere from within 10 minutes to 30 hours or more.

While you’re at Telus World of Science, don’t miss out on another current exhibit: Travesía, Journey of the Grey Whale. This travelling exhibit shows the importance of preserving grey whale sanctuaries as well as the whale’s migratory patterns. Using science, art, and history, the exhibit informs visitors about the vast Baja region where the whales are born. Travesía runs through April 24.

Telus World of Science

Outside the venue, the new Ken Spencer Science Park is another fun discovery centre. Alongside the park perimeter are informative displays dealing with local farming, sustainability, water conservation and tips on how to fix a flat tire on your bike.

Telus World of Science Telus World of Science

The bike path is located right along the seawall that passes by Telus World of Science. An electronic marker keeps track of the number of cyclists using the path.

Telus World of Science

Visit the Telus World of Science website for current schedules, admission, and special events.

Check out the rest of my photos from my Telus World of Science visit here.

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