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The Flipbook Machine Story

In 2004, artist J. C. Fontanive brought the Flipbook Machine to life during his masters program at the Royal College of Art, London. Exploring East London's antique markets, Fontanive gathered Victorian clock parts and mechanical movements. Disassembling and reconstructing each mechanism, he studied the hand-tooled movements and gears, mastering component assemblage. This exploration of object kinetics inspired his 'film without light' Flipbook Machine.

Limited Editions

Flipbook Machine limited edition sculptures are comprised of the Plumage, Ariel, and Fluttering series. All artworks create the illusion of birds, moths and butterflies in flight by the mechanized, rapid rotation of successive drawings. The fluttering of wings seems mimicked by the swiftly flapping pages, all accompanied by the regular shuffling sound of falling paper – a mechanical movement assisted by gravity which, paradoxically, keeps the bird forever in flight.

Working with Metals

Since 2004, Fontanive has called London, New York, and now Cleveland home for his studio, where he creates each Flipbook Machine from scratch. His workspace resembles more of a machine shop than a traditional studio, reflecting his love for machining and metalwork. Here, each element is meticulously handcrafted by the artist, including a unique motor driven mechanism. Staying true to time-honored craftsmanship, Fontanive's dedication to precision is evident, each robust artwork emanates a refined gentleness, mirroring the grace of the creatures it brings to life.