Popular Mechanics

Description

With a nod to vintage DIY culture and a love of tinkering, Kevin Roach channels the spirit of the garage workshop in this clever interactive assemblage. At the center of the piece, a hand-painted rendition of the iconic Popular Mechanics magazine masthead is emblazoned with the tagline: “Written so you can understand it”—a perfect summation of Roach’s own playful, accessible brand of folk art.

Beneath the sign, an array of reclaimed machine parts—knobs, gears, brass fasteners, and an actual rotating handle—form a mechanical tableau that viewers can physically engage with. Turn the handle and a small mechanism clicks and shifts into motion, celebrating the tactile joy of invention. This is more than a static sculpture; it’s a tribute to hands-on creativity, crafted in the same spirit as the magazine that inspired it.

The piece recalls the atmosphere of rural workshops, hardware stores, and lakeside shacks lined with curious old tools and back issues of Popular Mechanics. By pairing found objects with hand-painted charm, Roach creates a nostalgic artifact that honors both folk traditions and the golden age of mechanical imagination.

This work is ideal for collectors who appreciate kinetic art, mid-century Americana, or the quirky, authentic appeal of Canadian cottage and camp culture.

Condition: Excellent

Vertical
21
Horizontal
21

Depth
7