Bicycle Wheel

Date1994

Artist Vollis Simpson (1919-2013)

MediumChromed iron, iron alloy, iron, copper alloy, and paint with reflective coating.

DimensionsOverall (includes storage stand): 38 1/2 x 55 x 38 1/2in. (97.8 x 139.7 x 97.8cm)

Credit LineGift of Ellin and Baron Gordon

Object number1998.800.1,A-C

DescriptionA large whirligig based on a recycled bicycle wheel with gears attached, mounted on a crossbar. A metal banner made from two pieces of sheet metal clamped together with cut-out circles overall is mounted on the same brossbar behind the wheel. Twelve circular unpainted tin plates with fluted edges are bolted to the bicycle wheel. A smaller whirligig is mounted to the top of the center pole. Painted parts of the whirligig proper are red, green, blue and white, while the pole on which the whirligig was received is yellow. A stand, also received with the whirligig, consists of the unpainted metal rim of a car or truck tire.
The three main components are numbered A-C, the tire rim base D.
Label TextThe discovery of an old bicycle frame first led Simpson to create wind-powered mechanisms on his property in North Carolina. Today his works fill an entire acre of the family farm with motion, light, and color. Enchanted buyers of his art have spread the effects much farther afield. The aluminium disks on this piece reflect light readily, and their crimped edges scatter it. Thus, when the wheel spins rapidly on sunny days, the effect is dazzling!ProvenancePurchased from the artist by Ellin and Baron Gordon, Williamsburg, Va., who were CWF's donors.