And, when you believe enough in something and
are willing to work toward a goal, even the seemingly
impossible can be accomplished.
player does not fall off the pathway. (If they’re that
good, how can I tell them to stop?) Two people have
actually gone from beginning to end without falling
off, taking more than an hour to do so.
I recently completed my first Giant Superplexus
commission, for the Sonoma Valley Museum, called
Superplexus Vortex. I used a completely new pathway design. It’s enclosed in a 36-inch acrylic sphere,
and is made from a variety of materials, including
high-grade plywood, hardwoods, metals, and plastics. In addition, a major museum is contemplating
a commission, along with several other venues.
of thin air. Having an idea is not the same as making
the physical thing. The best way to solve a problem
is to build it. Setbacks are just another step forward,
perhaps along another path. Not all ideas are good
ones. Ask and accept help from others. There is
always room for improvement. There is no such thing
as the perfect solution. Although money can’t solve
all problems, it sure does help.
Photograph by Frank Hummel
Giant Superplexuses are complex works of interactive art, and I am very fortunate to have them
as my most personal creative outlet. This art form
stretches my mind while providing joy to others.
Although I am adept at other media and concepts,
no other pursuit holds such an iconic place in my
heart. Here I feel as though I am truly contributing
to the language of the world.
Do you want a Giant Superplexus of your own, or
for a museum or other public venue? Do you wish
to collect limited-edition, handheld Superplexuses?
Would you like to exhibit them in a gallery? If so,
let’s talk! mmcginnis@santarosa.edu
Michael McGinnis is an artist/maker who enjoys making
interactive works: furniture, digital art installations, Superplexuses, inventions, and more. Michael teaches sculpture
and design, and is the Art Gallery Exhibits Specialist at
Santa Rosa Junior College.
Word to the Wise
What I’ve learned from my experiences can be boiled
down to a few typical life lessons: nothing worthwhile
is easy, or ever turns out as expected, or comes out
45 Make:
