Projects

Project Larynx (2018 – ongoing)

An experimental project to produce a vocal-capable robot without using digital sound processing methods or inbuilt speakers. Having gone through hundreds of iterations, this project differs from machines previously built by Felix as it is not built exclusively as an art piece.

3D printers and silicone casted parts have been used to create shape-shifting resonators to create different methods of simulating a human vocal tract and a larynx. There are many difficulties in generating vocal realism that is both coherent and pleasant. Precision part-making and choice of materials need to be considered to achieve an acceptable level of consistency when controlling the robot. The accumulated attempts in making this machine should reveal some exciting sound-making possibilities.

Progress of the project will be documented on YouTube soon.

Penhaligon’s mechanical arm (2021)

In Build instore fabrication company commissioned this mechanical arm for Penhaligon’s. Built out of CNC’d brass, aluminium and a 3D printed hand driven by a timing belt mechanism. The arm was dressed and formed part of a Christmas display pop-up store in Selfridges London.

CNC Machine (2018)

Compact 4-axis CNC machine Felix designed and built.

Adhoc Machine (2013)

A commissioned interactive sound sculpture. Exhibited at Adhocracy in Athens 2015.

Felix Thorn's automated machines developed from the intersection of his interests in improvisational music, computer software, electronics, and synaesthetic visual and sound art. His machines do not begin from a preconceived blueprint, but rather from a gradual build-up of piecemeal decision-making processes. Adhocracy hosts Thorn's latest instrument ‘Ad-Hoc Machine’, which disassembles and recombines the components of a pressing machine for mass-producing CDs, transforming their function from data transfer to live sound creation. In the same vein, the digital software intended for creating electronic music has been adapted to trigger the physical motion of the various components. The final creation thus cannibalises on the apparatus of industrial manufacture to give birth to a system open to evolution and experimentation.

Music Box 2 (2016)

Music Box 2 – A specially commissioned miniaturised version of Felix’s Machines. This music box incorporates personalised parts of the owner mechanically played with small hammers and lights adjustable via inbuilt faders.

The Moleskine Orchestra (2012)

A special edition of Felix’s Machines that transforms Moleskine products into music-making sculptures.

Felix produced a bespoke MIDI-controlled system that played back music written for the Moleskine Orchestra. The orchestra premiered in a shop window display at La Rinascente in Piazza Duomo for Milan design week. The project was later upgraded into an interactive installation whereby users operate a MIDI theremin to trigger the sculptures. Further installations were held at ‘Blickfang Design Exhibition’ in Hamburg, and a makers' festival in Rome.

Music Box 1 (2009)

A miniaturised version of Felix’s Machines, with individual faders for controlling the speed of its beaters alongside LEDs.