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I spoke awhile back about my fascination of Rube Goldberg Machines and discussed a marble tower that was a neat little home version. Well I’ve thought more about this and had another recollection from my youth. As a kid, my dad was a science teacher. So every year or so, we would take a trip to the Maryland Science Center. I remember at the time that there was a huge marble machine there. I stood there for the longest time watching the balls go up the elevator, roll around, hit bells, bounce and land into a trumpet like thing, and on, and on, and on. I didn’t know it what it was called then, this was maybe twenty years ago or more. But I do know that it was something that I haven’t ever forgotten. I wonder if it is still there.

So turns out that making these things is an art. It’s called Rolling Ball, or Kinetic, Sculpture and there are lots of websites of artists all over the web. They’ve got pictures of pieces they’ve done, many huge ones like I remember seeing as a kid. Many of the artisans have a section on their site where you can commission a piece. Don’t get too excited though, a big piece like I remember seeing will easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Certainly a goal of mine when I have A LOT of disposable income.

In my searching, however, I came across a site by a guy named Jim Brown called The Swirling Brain. Jim makes more “home” versions of these kinetic sculptures out of copper tubing. You can commission a sculpture from him from $40 - $250. Some are desk top, some will hang on the wall or refrigerator. He does one one large model on his site for $2000, however. I find Jim Brown’s art so interesting and certainly hope to own some of his work some time.

The lesson to be learned here is, once again, men love to reminisce about their youth. We are all big kids at heart. If these thoughts of mine remind you at all about your man, then I encourage you to visit Jim Brown’s site the next time you need a truly unique gift for him.

As an added treat, here is a video of one of his masterpieces in action. This is his Grandfather Clock, the $2000 one from above. Boy, I’ve got just the place for this thing in my office!