Gravitram - Portland, OR - Rolling Ball Sculpture on Waymarking.com

Inspiration for the sculpture came mainly from the work of the Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely but also from the work of other kinetic sculptors in the 1950s. The specific ideas about the Gravitram however where the result of tinkering with balls, rolling these in channels and trying to attach some logic to this tinkering. Thus for example, knowing the principle of how a logic flip-flop switch works in the "either" or the "or" position, or the principle of the binary counter was helpful in translating those concepts to mechanical gates that mimic or are analogous to the logic switches. This sculpture includes mechanical switches, gates, "memory" devices, accelerators and other mechanical "tricks", making sure that one or two balls will roll and activate those and putting those aside. A large metal frame was constructed along with two elevators to take the balls to the top of the frame. One was an auger the other a chain elevator.

Once the means to take the balls to the top of the structure was obtained the tracks to roll the balls down was constructed. This was the creative stage - to arrange the tracks and connect the "tricks" in a visually pleasing and logical fashion. The tracks and tricks were all made of copper plated, 1/8" mild steel rod used in welding. These were brazed together. Most of the parts were fabricated from scratch, although we used some "found" objects, such as the large dish at the bottom where the balls circled for a long time before falling into a hole.

Although repaired many times since 1973, the original Gravitram is still on display and functioning at OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The original Gravitram, is 10 feet tall and 4 feet on each side. It is encased in a glass cage and uses 1" bearing balls. It has internal illumination.

This single exhibit has survived a move to another building, a flood, and has been a favorite of visitors, young and old, longer than any other exhibit at OMSI.

Title or Name of Installment: Gravitram One Artist: Shab Levy Date Created or Placed: 9/20/1973 Website: [Web Link]

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