Maker

Walking into Diane Landry’s installation Ecole in her animated sculptural works that have been ex- d’aviation (Flying School) is like stumbling upon a hibited internationally since 1990. I had the chance magical garden. Dancing umbrellas take the place of to speak with her by phone from New York, where flowers, the vibe is eternally moonlit, and a beautiful she’s currently enjoying a six-month residency in medley of mechanized harmonica parts fills the air the SoHo district of Manhattan as the winner of a like mystical birdsongs. Québec grant competition.

For the past 20 years, Landry has used various kinds of technology to transform everyday objects into her uniquely theatrical installation art. Her roots as a performance artist are playfully evident

Photography courtesy of SolwayJones, Los Angeles (this page) and Diane Landry (opposite)

Flying School Automaton

Technology-loving artist Diane Landry discusses her background, her inspiration, and how kids respond to kinetic sculpture. By Annie Buckley

Annie Buckley: A bit of background first: where did you grow up? Did you make art or use technology as a child?

42 Make: Volume 14