Gallery
Box Sculptures by Donald Small
Drosophila (1998)
Drosophila
Mixed Media: Computer Hard Drive Enclosure, Hard Drive Platters, Photograph, Electronic Circuit Board, Wire, Metal, Wood, Plasitic. Dimensions: 18"w x 24"h x 4"d
"Drosophila" was my very first Box Sculpture. Inspired after seeing a Joseph Cornell exhibit in New York while traveling, I returned home eager to build my own Box Sculpture. Having enjoyed a childhood with access to tools and building materials on my Grandparent's farm in North Carolina, I had a love of building gadgets, hidden compartments in walls and floors, furniture, etc., and I couldn't wait for the annual science fair to come along each school year having a love of science, invention, and building. At the time I returned home from the NY exhibit, I was temporarily living in a small rented room at a friend of a friend's home in Naples, Florida while transitioning jobs. I had no workshop or power tools to use and began building this project on the floor of my room with a handsaw, screwdriver, and sandpaper - after nearly being thrown out by the owner of the house, I had to promise to be very careful to cover the floor with newspaper before using any tools, sanding, or painting!
"Drosophila" get its name from the 10,000x magnification photograph of a Drosophila Melanogaster (Fruit Fly) under glass at the center of the sculpture. The Drosophila is "caged" under wire brackets and connected with wiring to the circuit board, hard drive, and spiral structure. The vials of liquid in the hinged cabinet section were provided by a biology lab in California. The wires connecting the Drosophila to the other parts of the sculpture represent the connection between my personal interests in electronics, sciences, geometry, and computers combined with my love of fine woodworking in the enclosure. And all constructed with very basic hand tools on the floor of my rented room in Florida.
"Drosophila" was my very first Box Sculpture. Inspired after seeing a Joseph Cornell exhibit in New York while traveling, I returned home eager to build my own Box Sculpture. Having enjoyed a childhood with access to tools and building materials on my Grandparent's farm in North Carolina, I had a love of building gadgets, hidden compartments in walls and floors, furniture, etc., and I couldn't wait for the annual science fair to come along each school year having a love of science, invention, and building. At the time I returned home from the NY exhibit, I was temporarily living in a small rented room at a friend of a friend's home in Naples, Florida while transitioning jobs. I had no workshop or power tools to use and began building this project on the floor of my room with a handsaw, screwdriver, and sandpaper - after nearly being thrown out by the owner of the house, I had to promise to be very careful to cover the floor with newspaper before using any tools, sanding, or painting!
"Drosophila" get its name from the 10,000x magnification photograph of a Drosophila Melanogaster (Fruit Fly) under glass at the center of the sculpture. The Drosophila is "caged" under wire brackets and connected with wiring to the circuit board, hard drive, and spiral structure. The vials of liquid in the hinged cabinet section were provided by a biology lab in California. The wires connecting the Drosophila to the other parts of the sculpture represent the connection between my personal interests in electronics, sciences, geometry, and computers combined with my love of fine woodworking in the enclosure. And all constructed with very basic hand tools on the floor of my rented room in Florida.
Kokopelli Memories (1999)
Kokopelli Memories
Mixed Media: Wood, Acrylic, Hardboard, Paper, Circuit Board, Light, Dimmer Switch, Misc. Collected Artifacts. Dimensions: 24"w x 18"h x 4"d
This sculpture is a collection of memories, from childhood fascination with Starwars (and my younger brother's complete obsession with the movie having watched the original Episode IV 55 times at the movie theater!), following on to my interest in carving model ships, to my interest in machine components when I helped build a production studio in Venice, California out of reclaimed "graveyard" military airplane parts.
I built this sculpture with 13 individual compartments (a special number for personal reasons) to hold items of fascination and memories that I had collected over the years as I grew and developed through childhood, relationships, and professional career. The initial inspiration was during a business trip from Florida to Phoenix, AZ. where I saw Kokopelli figures from the air around the Phoenix airport as I flew in and then began thinking of the many memories I wanted to preserve and give special tribute to. Several items in the collection reflect on my love for family and my children, and some are for pure personal interests. All are special items and reflect on turning points, or intense personal interests throughout my life as a Brother, Son, and Parent. In some compartments, are memories I bring forward with me, in others, memories I do not want to forget, but willingly leave behind as pleasant memories of times past.
This sculpture is a collection of memories, from childhood fascination with Starwars (and my younger brother's complete obsession with the movie having watched the original Episode IV 55 times at the movie theater!), following on to my interest in carving model ships, to my interest in machine components when I helped build a production studio in Venice, California out of reclaimed "graveyard" military airplane parts.
I built this sculpture with 13 individual compartments (a special number for personal reasons) to hold items of fascination and memories that I had collected over the years as I grew and developed through childhood, relationships, and professional career. The initial inspiration was during a business trip from Florida to Phoenix, AZ. where I saw Kokopelli figures from the air around the Phoenix airport as I flew in and then began thinking of the many memories I wanted to preserve and give special tribute to. Several items in the collection reflect on my love for family and my children, and some are for pure personal interests. All are special items and reflect on turning points, or intense personal interests throughout my life as a Brother, Son, and Parent. In some compartments, are memories I bring forward with me, in others, memories I do not want to forget, but willingly leave behind as pleasant memories of times past.
Disk Array I (2002)
Disk Array I - $800 USD
Mixed Media: Computer Hard Drive Enclosures, Hard Drive Platters, Copper Wire. Dimensions: 26"w x 18"h x 1"d
This sculpture titled "Disk Array I" is a collection of hard disk drives, drive case components, and copper wire. The drives are arranged in an "array" playing on the concept of computer storage drive arrays used for high capacity, redundant storage. I built this sculpture on a whim with no planning, just a stack of extra hard drives that were too beautiful to throw away. The hard drives platters inside the enclosures are highly reflective surfaces and give the sculpture depth and openness.
The sculpture hangs from a single point at a downward facing angle producing an eye catching visual effect. Though one of my simplest structures, it is commonly a favorite among visitors.
This sculpture titled "Disk Array I" is a collection of hard disk drives, drive case components, and copper wire. The drives are arranged in an "array" playing on the concept of computer storage drive arrays used for high capacity, redundant storage. I built this sculpture on a whim with no planning, just a stack of extra hard drives that were too beautiful to throw away. The hard drives platters inside the enclosures are highly reflective surfaces and give the sculpture depth and openness.
The sculpture hangs from a single point at a downward facing angle producing an eye catching visual effect. Though one of my simplest structures, it is commonly a favorite among visitors.
Cage Light I (2010)
Cage Light I - $1200 USD
Mixed Media: Redwood, LED Lights, Halogen Lights, Wire Caging, PVC, Wire, Switches. Dimensions: 8"w x 14"d x 4 feet high.
"Cage Light I" is the first of a series of lights with a polished wood base and lighting in and out of cage structures mounted on the wood. This light can sit on a table top of on the floor. The bright red wire cage around the halogen light pole produces a matrix pattern of shadow lines around the room from the caged lights. The three halogen lights are controlled by a memory dimmer switch embedded in the surface of the wood. The twin LED lights shown pointing upward are switched separately and are mounted on adjustable stalks and can be pointed in any direction for direct or indirect lighting. The "Cage Light" series are meant to be used and enjoyed as a useful light source, and an interesting and unusual conversation piece.
"Cage Light I" is the first of a series of lights with a polished wood base and lighting in and out of cage structures mounted on the wood. This light can sit on a table top of on the floor. The bright red wire cage around the halogen light pole produces a matrix pattern of shadow lines around the room from the caged lights. The three halogen lights are controlled by a memory dimmer switch embedded in the surface of the wood. The twin LED lights shown pointing upward are switched separately and are mounted on adjustable stalks and can be pointed in any direction for direct or indirect lighting. The "Cage Light" series are meant to be used and enjoyed as a useful light source, and an interesting and unusual conversation piece.
Red Cave Bedside Table (2009)
Red Cave Beside Table - $2800 USD
Mixed Media: Redwood, Canvas, Paper, Ink, LED Lighting. Dimensions: 24"w x 26"h x 30"d
The Red Cave Bedside Table is a fully functional finely crafted solid redwood table with a Z pedestal design and slotted table surface. The table surface includes LED lights underneath for indirect lighting, and two 110V receptacles (1 switched, 1 always on) mounted just underneath the top surface. Underneath lighting, Cave lighting, and switched outlet are controlled by toggle switches.
The "Cave Box" incorporated into the top of the table is a box sculpture designed specifically as part of the table and built into the overall structure. The Cave is illuminated by red LED lighting inside showing a cave-scape with a number of items mounted around the cave walls. All electrical wiring runs through the core of the angled center support beam, no hanging cables from the top section.
I built this as a combination table and sculpture as functional art, meant to be used and enjoyed. This piece combines two of my passions - building furniture, and building box sculptures. I now have a sketchbook full of new ideas along similar lines!
The Red Cave Bedside Table is a fully functional finely crafted solid redwood table with a Z pedestal design and slotted table surface. The table surface includes LED lights underneath for indirect lighting, and two 110V receptacles (1 switched, 1 always on) mounted just underneath the top surface. Underneath lighting, Cave lighting, and switched outlet are controlled by toggle switches.
The "Cave Box" incorporated into the top of the table is a box sculpture designed specifically as part of the table and built into the overall structure. The Cave is illuminated by red LED lighting inside showing a cave-scape with a number of items mounted around the cave walls. All electrical wiring runs through the core of the angled center support beam, no hanging cables from the top section.
I built this as a combination table and sculpture as functional art, meant to be used and enjoyed. This piece combines two of my passions - building furniture, and building box sculptures. I now have a sketchbook full of new ideas along similar lines!
Hiding (2002)
Fight for the Prize - $1500 USD
Mixed Media: Wood and Aluminum Frame, Acrylic, Sand, Electrical Conduit, Copper, Vinyl Tubing, LED Lighting. Dimensions: 24"w x 18"h x 4"d
In the "Hiding" sculpture, the lighted ends of the flex electrical conduits are rigidly straining toward the softer, backlit cove of gently flowing vinyl tubing.
While I'm sure there is some deep meaning to this theme, I have not had the psychotherapy to uncover it, nor do I think I want to. :-)
In the "Hiding" sculpture, the lighted ends of the flex electrical conduits are rigidly straining toward the softer, backlit cove of gently flowing vinyl tubing.
While I'm sure there is some deep meaning to this theme, I have not had the psychotherapy to uncover it, nor do I think I want to. :-)
Terminal Computer (2001)
Terminal Computer - $2500 USD
Mixed Media: Computer Terminal Display Case, Textured Paint, Open Hard Drives, Photos on Paper, Laptop Keyboard (internal, not visible in photo), Copper, Plastic Figurines, Lighting circuit, Wire, Plastic Figures. Dimensions: 18"w x 22"h x 18"d
The "Terminal Computer" sculpture is admittedly a dark commentary on the impact of computers on society and the environment. The computer CRT display case is mottled in rock textured paint making it a link between nature and the computer age. Reflecting on the rise through the early computer era to the tech-everywhere state of current society, this sculpture depicts violence, peace, and open access to data.
Lighting inside the case moves in three sections on a slow chaser circuit highlighting the three key areas - violence, peace, and data. The red light on top is a beacon to the temptations within.
The "Terminal Computer" sculpture is admittedly a dark commentary on the impact of computers on society and the environment. The computer CRT display case is mottled in rock textured paint making it a link between nature and the computer age. Reflecting on the rise through the early computer era to the tech-everywhere state of current society, this sculpture depicts violence, peace, and open access to data.
Lighting inside the case moves in three sections on a slow chaser circuit highlighting the three key areas - violence, peace, and data. The red light on top is a beacon to the temptations within.
Sci-Fi Coffee Table (2009)
Sci-Fi Coffee Table - $3500 USD
Mixed Media: Redwood, Computer Components, Plexiglass, Polyurethane, Copper Gears, Electrical Outlets, Toggle Switches, Electroencephalogram (EEG) Components, Crystals, LED Lighting, Infrared Beam Detectors. Dimensions: 48"w x 22"h x 24"d
The "Sci-Fi Coffee Table" is a huge favorite. The table shown here is in my California home, and like others is a fully functional piece of unique furniture. The table is made of solid redwood coated in polyurethane which brings out the deep red tones of the wood and makes it very durable and water-resistant.
The sunken cup-holders (one shown with under-lit glass sitting inside it) have plexiglass bottoms with LED lights beneath which switch on via infrared beam detectors and illuminate the glass and beverage from beneath when the glass is placed inside. This was incorporated into the table after the my younger Brother "almost" jokingly commented during a visit while I was building the first table that I should "make cup holders in the table that light up when you set a glass in them".
The table also includes 110V outlets for laptop power or charging devices, a compartment in the top for remote controls accessed by a sliding board in the top center of the table, indirect LED lighting underneath controlled by a toggle switch, automatic LED night lights underneath the table, and a secret hidden compartment on the underside of the table.
The table gets its Sci-Fi name because I love science fiction - one leg of the table (not shown in this photo) is constructed with electronic components built into the wood, Star Trek "Borg style", and the 45 degree clipped corners of the table are a recurring theme for books and paper throughout the Battlestar Galactica series.
The "Sci-Fi Coffee Table" is a huge favorite. The table shown here is in my California home, and like others is a fully functional piece of unique furniture. The table is made of solid redwood coated in polyurethane which brings out the deep red tones of the wood and makes it very durable and water-resistant.
The sunken cup-holders (one shown with under-lit glass sitting inside it) have plexiglass bottoms with LED lights beneath which switch on via infrared beam detectors and illuminate the glass and beverage from beneath when the glass is placed inside. This was incorporated into the table after the my younger Brother "almost" jokingly commented during a visit while I was building the first table that I should "make cup holders in the table that light up when you set a glass in them".
The table also includes 110V outlets for laptop power or charging devices, a compartment in the top for remote controls accessed by a sliding board in the top center of the table, indirect LED lighting underneath controlled by a toggle switch, automatic LED night lights underneath the table, and a secret hidden compartment on the underside of the table.
The table gets its Sci-Fi name because I love science fiction - one leg of the table (not shown in this photo) is constructed with electronic components built into the wood, Star Trek "Borg style", and the 45 degree clipped corners of the table are a recurring theme for books and paper throughout the Battlestar Galactica series.
Power Staff I (2009)
Power Staff I - $2200 USD
Mixed Media: Burled Maple, Chandelier Crystals, PVC, Electroencephalogram (EEG) components, PVC, LED Lighting, Copper Wire, Large Crystal Headpiece. Dimensions: 5"w x 48"h x 5"d
"Power Staff I" is an idea conceived from a book I read involving a character acting out a RPG video game in a futuristic Disneyland style amusement park where the game world was holographically generated allowing the players to be "inside" the game. One wizard-level player carried a "power staff" to wield her fighting powers in the game. The book and the concept of a physical staff that conveys game commands, calculations, and a powerful light source captivated me, thus the birth of "Power Staff I". Staff II is drawn, fully planned and in basic production as of this posting.
The staff is internally lit with intensely bright LED lights illuminating the large crystal at the top producing a beam effect shining upward. The LED lights also illuminate many small crystals embedded in the maple strips of the 9-sided wooden structure. The lights are controlled by switches in Electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode control panels from a local hospital which are also embedded flush in the maple.
I thoroughly enjoy fine woodworking craftsmanship and beautiful wood is a distinct pleasure to work with. My Father was a skilled woodworker in a furniture factory where I grew up in North Carolina and he continues to do beautiful work in my parents' home located on a part of the farm I enjoyed as a child.
"Power Staff I" is an idea conceived from a book I read involving a character acting out a RPG video game in a futuristic Disneyland style amusement park where the game world was holographically generated allowing the players to be "inside" the game. One wizard-level player carried a "power staff" to wield her fighting powers in the game. The book and the concept of a physical staff that conveys game commands, calculations, and a powerful light source captivated me, thus the birth of "Power Staff I". Staff II is drawn, fully planned and in basic production as of this posting.
The staff is internally lit with intensely bright LED lights illuminating the large crystal at the top producing a beam effect shining upward. The LED lights also illuminate many small crystals embedded in the maple strips of the 9-sided wooden structure. The lights are controlled by switches in Electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode control panels from a local hospital which are also embedded flush in the maple.
I thoroughly enjoy fine woodworking craftsmanship and beautiful wood is a distinct pleasure to work with. My Father was a skilled woodworker in a furniture factory where I grew up in North Carolina and he continues to do beautiful work in my parents' home located on a part of the farm I enjoyed as a child.
Mushroom Farm I (2010)
Mushroom Farm I - $1800 USD
Mixed Media: Wood, PVC, Acrylic Paint, Silicone, LED Lighting, Metal, Polyester Fibre, Feathers. Dimensions: 24"w x 14"h x 18"d
"Mushroom Farm I" was probably inspired by my fascination with the luminsescent plant life in the forests of Pandora in the 2009 movie Avatar. It was certainly not a direct recreation of anything seen in the movie, but nearly a year after seeing it 5 times in 3D IMAX I started building the first Mushroom Farm as a lighted cluster of tubes "growing" out of a planter shaped box. The tubes in Mushroom I are bright, glossy red, and appear to grow out of meshy soil with feathery vines growing around the base of the tubes. Each tube is covered on the top by translucent film and lit from inside. The lights are switched on and off with a twist of one mushroom tube at the front. The planter box containing the tubes is a high gloss redwood box with the natural color of the redwood enhanced by a clear polished coating. This is one of my favorite pieces and followed closely by "Mushroom Farm II" shown below, and a planned version III not yet in development as of this posting.
"Mushroom Farm I" was probably inspired by my fascination with the luminsescent plant life in the forests of Pandora in the 2009 movie Avatar. It was certainly not a direct recreation of anything seen in the movie, but nearly a year after seeing it 5 times in 3D IMAX I started building the first Mushroom Farm as a lighted cluster of tubes "growing" out of a planter shaped box. The tubes in Mushroom I are bright, glossy red, and appear to grow out of meshy soil with feathery vines growing around the base of the tubes. Each tube is covered on the top by translucent film and lit from inside. The lights are switched on and off with a twist of one mushroom tube at the front. The planter box containing the tubes is a high gloss redwood box with the natural color of the redwood enhanced by a clear polished coating. This is one of my favorite pieces and followed closely by "Mushroom Farm II" shown below, and a planned version III not yet in development as of this posting.
Mushroom Farm II (2010)
Mushroom Farm II - $1500 USD
Mixed Media: Wood, PVC, Acrylic Paint, Silicone, CFL Lighting, LED Lighting, Metal, Vinyl Tubing, EEG Component, Machine Gears. Dimensions: 15"w x 33"h x 9"d
"Mushroom Farm II" followed closely on the heals of "Mushroom Farm I" and was similarly inspired by the luminescent plant life scenes in the forests of Pandora in the 2009 movie Avatar. The tubes in Mushroom II are medium-dark blue, and are surrounded by tubular vines coiling around the bases of the tubes. Each tube is covered on the top and a strip along one side by translucent film and lit from beneath producing a glowing top and bar down the side as shown in the lighted photos. The lights are switched on and off pressing down on the mushroom tube at the left, front. The planter box containing the tubes is a high gloss redwood box in a planter stand X-shape with the natural color of the redwood enhanced by a clear polished coating. Vent slots at a 30 degree angle on the back side of the wood case allow internal light to shine through the back making an angled slash of indirect light on the wall behind. It also has a small LED light underneath behind the gear cluster that is light sensitive and switches on automatically in dim light.
"Mushroom Farm II" followed closely on the heals of "Mushroom Farm I" and was similarly inspired by the luminescent plant life scenes in the forests of Pandora in the 2009 movie Avatar. The tubes in Mushroom II are medium-dark blue, and are surrounded by tubular vines coiling around the bases of the tubes. Each tube is covered on the top and a strip along one side by translucent film and lit from beneath producing a glowing top and bar down the side as shown in the lighted photos. The lights are switched on and off pressing down on the mushroom tube at the left, front. The planter box containing the tubes is a high gloss redwood box in a planter stand X-shape with the natural color of the redwood enhanced by a clear polished coating. Vent slots at a 30 degree angle on the back side of the wood case allow internal light to shine through the back making an angled slash of indirect light on the wall behind. It also has a small LED light underneath behind the gear cluster that is light sensitive and switches on automatically in dim light.
Spaceman Light (2000)
Spaceman Light - $800 USD
Mixed Media: RS232 Wiring Patch Panel, Aluminum, Gear Cluster, Lights, Dimmer Switch. Dimensions: 4"w x 20"h x 6"d
"Spaceman Light" was designed as a tribute to classic science fiction with a buzz-cut spaceman holding two lights. Spaceman is mounted on an exposed gear cluster visible from the side that allow the spaceman and two lights he is holding to be moved up and down and side to side about 30 degrees in all directions for optimum light direction and appearance. It also has a sliding dimmer switch integrated into the RS232 patch panel. I built this project originally to put a reading light on the wall behind me after finding nothing but boring light fixtures at the local home improvement stores. It was the first of many artistic light fixtures I've made since, still maintaining elements of Box Sculptures.
"Spaceman Light" was designed as a tribute to classic science fiction with a buzz-cut spaceman holding two lights. Spaceman is mounted on an exposed gear cluster visible from the side that allow the spaceman and two lights he is holding to be moved up and down and side to side about 30 degrees in all directions for optimum light direction and appearance. It also has a sliding dimmer switch integrated into the RS232 patch panel. I built this project originally to put a reading light on the wall behind me after finding nothing but boring light fixtures at the local home improvement stores. It was the first of many artistic light fixtures I've made since, still maintaining elements of Box Sculptures.