The intent of Aeolian Electric was to spark thought around wind power – particularly from an artist\’s perspective; not to develop technological solutions. There are plenty of engineers researching turbine technology. These artists were chosen not for expertise in wind generator design, but for their diverse artistic approaches. They were challenged to build sculptures that provoked thought, raised questions, and maybe even captured the imagination of viewers – around the theme of wind. They used commonly available materials, accessible techniques and tools, lots of experimentation, and attempted to create turbines in a very DIY fashion that could be carried farther by anyone interested in trying. Though not all of the pieces were active on Saturday evening, they each conveyed concepts or statements unusual to common wind generators.

One of the most important things to take from this show, or any piece of art, are the questions raised. Instead of looking for direct answers regarding \”wind technology and design,\” look at these as gestures, and ask yourself how a wind generator might play into our lives as a thing of intrigue, beauty or curiosity in addition to just generating electricity.

Better yet, I challenge you to go out to your garage or down in your basement and to build your own generator. I assure you it\’s not easy. But you (and many others) may come up with innovative ideas that could potentially change how people connect to renewable energy sources.

We need many people working, thinking, and learning about renewables to bring on the changes that will address our energy crisis. Spurring thought and ideas among us is the first step to making that change.

Sincerely,

Elliott Montgomery

There is another attractive wind turbine that they are going to use in portland that follows some of these same ideas.

http://www.internetswasyes.com/2008/09/wind-power-coming-to-urban-area-near.html