Peter Griz
Peter Griz has been intrigued with kinetic works for over 20 years. Retirement from Ford Motor Company has afforded him time to aspire to his passion for working with copper and stainless. His 33 years of experience at Ford has given him the knowledge for designing and constructing the sculptures. His pieces are engineered precisely for balance and welded for strength.
Peter has gained inspiration for his designs from things as simplistic as his grandson’s Delta flyer kite…and the Delta Flyer Pirouette sculpture was born! He designs specialty sculptures from company logos and has been commissioned to design a prehistoric kinetic fish sculpture for Raven Hill Discovery Center’s Northern Michigan Museum.
The intricate process involved in the design and construction begins with cutting, shaping by hand-hammering the copper and bending the stainless steel rods. The rods are positioned so the mechanics of the design are in precise balance to catch the wind. The metals are then braised together and finally the copper is flamed with a torch or a patina chemical is applied to advance a time-weathered finish. The kinetics creates the illusion that the sculptures dance with the wind…hence the company name, “Dances With Wind, Inc.”
Prices range from $500 to $1800.
