You may recognize this. When I was in Italy, I created a small Venus Flytrap sculpture with the intent of it serving as a model for a larger version. This is the larger version, installed today at the University Mall in Chapel Hill for the 4th Scrapel Hill Exhibit. A show of artworks made from repurposed, recycled, and scrap materials.
Each half of the "trap" is 2 ft wide plus the additional length of the wine bottle "teeth". They are made from waste polystyrene, cement and fiberglass layers, then applied scrap and recycled glass mosaic. The support structure mimics the plant structure with a large broad leaf (made from garage rails and patio umbrella supports). There are some "swampy" details such as flowers and a snail.
It does actually move, thanks to my collaborating friend and co-designer/fabricator, Glenn Walters, and his assistant, DJ Fedor. It works on "people power" and a repurposed air compressor system. When you spin the flower wheel, air pumps through the green tubing to a piston mechanism. When enough air is is the system, the piston activates, opening and closing the top half of the "trap" about 30 degrees. Just enough to catch a pesky insect.
It will be on exhibit for a couple of months, then looking for a permanent home.... or swamp.
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