Bell Wand, 1965

Bell Wand, 1965, fiberglass wand, sleigh bells, motor, wooden base, 340 x 56 x 56 cm.  Lye made several sculptures that incorporate sleigh bells, harness bells and smaller decorative bells.  The two sleigh bells atop Bell Wand resemble the head of a dancing figure that ‘sings’ with the excitement of the dance.  Lye balanced out the ‘romantic’ sound of the bells by adding a ‘clanging plate’ to the bottom of the reciprocating wand. 

“…Bell Wand is one of my absolute favorites because it kicks up a kind of double racket.” – Len Lye