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The Making of Maverick Spirit

Our client came to us with a vision to create a commemorative and monumental moving sculpture that only we were equipped to produce. Maverick Spirit is a monumental kinetic sculpture commissioned by Kohler Company to honor the legacy of Herbert V Kohler Jr. Watch this short video (02:17) to see our process:



Full Video Transcript:


Maverick Spirit is a monumental kinetic sculpture commissioned by Kohler Company to honor the legacy of Herbert V Kohler Jr. The sculpture stands 26 feet high and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fashioned from durable stainless steel using a novel laser welding process and measuring 8 feet in diameter, this colossal masterpiece is the result of extensive prototyping, new fabrication processes and rigorous testing - ensuring not only its aesthetic grandeur but also its flawless functionality.


The one-of-a-kind moving sculpture is a creative and technical marvel composed of 61 stainless steel blades, each representing one year of the late executive chairman’s service to the company. The sculpture creates and dissolves a perfect helix, opening and closing in an awe-inspiring design that suggests the tension between order and randomness, surrounded by more than 1.5 miles of trails and boardwalks.


Maverick Spirit embodies an extraordinary partnership between Creative Machines and Kohler, translating their vision into reality. Kohler's team conceptualized the sculpture, tree root panels, and glass fence, while Creative Machines executed the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation processes, bringing the entire vision to life.


The creation of Maverick Spirit involved cutting-edge techniques and meticulous testing processes. With the acquisition of new laser welding equipment, Creative Machines established a dedicated safety room to ensure precision and safety in the fabrication process. Our testing methods included trials in a freezer, hundreds of hours simulating the electronic sequences, and applying dirt from the site to the electric components - all to ensure the sculpture's durability and resilience for years to come.


Visit this grand kinetic sculpture at the Kohler Company Global Headquarters in Kohler, Wisconsin.


 

About Creative Machines

At Creative Machines, we believe that the key to successful projects lies in effective collaboration with our clients and their communities. Our highly effective hands-on engagement process allows us to fully understand our client's needs, goals, and vision, and also work closely with their community as we design and create the artwork installation that they will know and love for many years to come. With our process, we ensure that our clients are involved in every step of the way, from ideation to final product delivery, resulting in a final product that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality, and engaging experiences that bring your ideas to life.



Questions?

Our experienced team of artists, architects, project managers, engineers, and fabricators are waiting to hear from you. Whether you have questions, are requesting a quote, or need information about a custom interactive experience, we want to hear from you!


published on January 12, 2024

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Creative Machines Inc.

4141 E. Irvington Rd.

Tucson, Arizona 85714

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our Creative Machines shop is located on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'odham Nation. We are nestled in the heart of Tucson, Arizona, a vibrant, culture-rich city, both presently and historically. This land was home to some of the earliest people in North America, the Hohokam, and we honor and respectfully acknowledge the indigenous nations that have stewarded this land since time immemorial. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the Tohono O’odham and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

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