Here is my newest Banjo Pig. It's a little bit different from the others. I've been building it for several weeks. Mostly on the weekends and here and there when I found a minute between jobs. I love doing stuff like this. It gets the ole creative juices flowing. I really enjoy problem solving when I do my artwork and this little piggie had plenty of it. It is fun to get an idea of what you want it to do, then figure out a way to make it work.
Most of the movements, the strumming, head turning, and banjo movement are controlled by a bunch of cams on the crankshaft. I had some extra room on the crank so I added the little bird. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I think it's popping up and down makes me smile the most. Inside I built a little music box called a Kalimba, or thumb piano. It's not terribly loud or "banjo" sounding, but I did tune it to real notes and everything and it plays. I hope you like it.
Here is a bit of the process:
A few sketchbook doodles from when the idea hit me.
Bits and pieces
Pre-paint
20 comments:
wow, that's awesome! It takes Banjo Pigs to a whole new level!
Incredible! Excelent job! Congrats!
I think the automaton has officially won the duel. So stinking cool.
Wow. This is incredible. You get a comment.
Wow, that's ingenious! Nicely done. Love the pig design too.
If you could somehow rig it up with a music box that played a fun, twangy tune (maybe "Turkey In The Straw"?) you'd have something I'll bet you could mass market and sell.
One of these days I'm hoping to do my own banjo pig sketch (if the party's not over, that is).
That's insane. I want it.
Geez guy, and I was feeling guilty I haven't done a pig DRAWING in a while. This is so FREAKING COOL! You make me want to build one.
No way, Guy! That is so cool, it's beyond words. When can I buy mine? :)
Excellent work, a true treat for the eyes.
Guy, you are an illustrator and an engineer! Impressive.
These are terrific. In fifty years they'll be on "Antiques Roadshow," praised as excellent examples of 21st century Americana Folk Art Wind-up Toys, appraised at $120,000.
VERY cool!
Automaton bacon = WIN!
Guy, can I be you?
This is so cool!! You really are a talented individual, Guy! I love all your banjo pig illustrations, but this one . . . wow! You cranked it way past 11. I'm totally impressed. Fantastic work.
This is so wicked cool!!! Great job!!
OMG SO COOL! Please send to toy companies for reproduction so I can have one!
Simply brilliant. Thanks for sharing Guy!
amazing! so awesome in every way!
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