My latest piece is awaiting some metal so I can make a mould for the lead ballast weight for the last section. The metal I had was not quite big enough, so the weight was too fat. I ordered the metal along with some other bits, and my order arrived, but sadly the two items I really wanted, Metals4u had forgotten to cut and supply. So I am still waiting for the metal.
It is all built except for the last and heaviest weighted section. That took a while to do as well, as I kept running out of lead. As it is now nearly £4 a kg, I did not want to buy loads that I may not use for ages. Now that I know how much it takes, if I make another one, I will order the lead in one chunk—all 40 kg of it.
The last section takes 27 kg to counteract the weight of the ones above it.
When designing it, I originally had another section and decided it would just be too big and too heavy. I estimate that if I were to add another section, the lead alone for that one section would be about 68 kg, so it would weigh almost as much as I do when all welded up, and I have no lifting gear either, so I have stopped with it at four sections. I think as well if I want to start making bigger pieces I will have to rent a unit somewhere and buy a lot of kit. As I like working from home even in my little shed, that is something that is unlikely to happen.
Originally, it was to be called Equilibrium, but that never really sat well with me. I just had to give the CAD file a name of some description, and that was the first thing that came to mind. It was inspired by a kids' toy from the '70s or '80s called Weebles (Weebles wobble but they won't fall). There was absolutely no way I was going to name it after them.
I spent a long time searching for an appropriate name and have chosen Still Standing. This name not only reflects the sculpture and its physical motion, but it also symbolises the resilience of many of us who have faced numerous challenges in life and continue to
stand strong.
I love the movement of this piece. Can't wait to see it finished, but I will have to wait until the metal arrives to re make the mould.
Still Standing A Monument to Resilience
Still Standing is a kinetic stainless steel sculpture that captures the unbreakable spirit of human endurance. Tall and elegantly streamlined, it responds to the wind or a gentle push by swaying and wobbling—mirroring the challenges and pressures of life—yet always rights itself, returning upright and standing tall.This interactive piece invites viewers to touch and move it, creating a direct, tactile connection to its message: we bend, we wobble, but we do not fall.
Inspirations
The sculpture reimagines two childhood icons on a monumental scale. It draws from the playful mechanics of 1970s Weebles toys—famously advertised as “Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down”—combined with the layered symbolism of traditional Russian matryoshka nesting dolls.This fusion adds deeper meaning: just as nesting dolls reveal inner layers building upon one another, the sculpture suggests generations of strength, personal growth, or hidden reserves that support us through adversity. In Russian culture, the self-righting roly-poly doll known as nevalyashka echoes this same indomitable spirit.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Fabricated entirely from high-grade stainless steel, polished to a mirror-like finish that reflects its surroundings and endures the elements. A concealed lead ballast provides the reliable self-righting motion, while sealed stainless steel bearings ensure smooth, silent movement in any conditions.Built to last outdoors or indoors, Still Standing transforms nostalgic play into a sophisticated, timeless work of art.
Artist's Note
In a world that constantly tests us, this sculpture serves as a quiet reminder: resilience isn’t about never moving—it’s about always coming back stronger. We wobble, we adapt, we reflect, and we rise again.Whether placed in a garden, public plaza, or private collection, Still Standing stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and quiet triumph.
