My first automata, a prototype. Inspired by Paul Spooner’s San Francisco and the San Andreas Fault. It’s pictured on page 133 of Rodney Peppé’s automata book.

The base is wood. The springs were the hardest part. I used Darice memory wire. Pull the two halves apart, and the buildings shake. They jitter like in a real earthquake.

I don’t look forward to earthquakes. Maybe this piece helps me face that fear.

3.5 minutes