Primary structure
A dense welded solid-bar framework established the whale's large compound form and supported the subsequent systems and surfaces.
Large-scale public art
Space
Whale
A monumental sculpture combining structure, pattern and light.
Artists: Matt Shultz · Andy Tibbetts · Android Jones | Fabrication lead: Andy Tibbetts
Project overview
Building the whale.
Space Whale is a large-scale sculptural work whose sweeping whale forms combine an extensive welded metal framework with intricate patterned surfaces and internal illumination.
Andy Tibbetts served as both a co-artist and fabrication lead, directing the translation of the artwork into a buildable large-scale structure and leading the fabrication and assembly work required to realize it.
Artists
Matt Shultz
Andy Tibbetts
Android Jones
Andy Tibbetts
Android Jones
Fabrication lead
Andy Tibbetts
Current display
Believe Plaza
Reno City Hall · Reno, Nevada
Reno City Hall · Reno, Nevada
Work
Large-scale sculpture · Structural fabrication · Custom components · Assembly · Installation
Finished work
From Black Rock City to Reno.
Fabrication
Complex geometry at full scale.
Space Whale required a dense welded solid-bar framework, extensive fitting and welding, thousands of repeatable machined connections, and full-scale integration before installation.
Large-scale fabrication
Fabrication required extensive fitting, welding and sequencing inside a three-dimensional structure with increasingly limited access as assembly progressed.
CNC-machined connections
Thousands of solid spheres were CNC machined in-house to create the connection system used throughout the sculpture's solid-bar framework.
Shop integration
Major structural sections were brought together at full scale so fit, alignment and assembly could be resolved before installation.
Project role: Andy Tibbetts was both a co-artist and the fabrication lead. LostMachine's work combined artistic development with responsibility for the physical fabrication of the sculpture.
Large-scale fabrication
From difficult geometry to physical reality.
LostMachine Design combines artistic practice, technical development, custom fabrication and project management for ambitious sculpture and public-art projects.