Clocks are fun to make, and they started showing up in my Rolling Ball Sculptures because of my dad, Ed. Many years ago he asked me to make him and Mom a clock. I said, “Sure, I can make you a clock,” even though I had never made one before.

I made a small square to use as my guide so every number would be the same size, then built the 5s, 1s, 2s, zero and 3 through 9 by hand. Add a circle in the middle to hold the clock works and—presto—a clock face. After making that first one, I started adding clocks to some of my RBS projects. They give you something else to look at even when the sculpture isn't running. I painted the clock on this one to help it stand out from all that stainless steel.

There’s quite a bit packed into this RBS. The two fast tracks are a vertical zig-zag and a loop d’ loop that wraps around two sides of the frame. The third track is the long one, wrapping through the sculpture again and again with about as much track as I could fit into the available space.

That long track has lots of turns and curves, horizontal zig-zags, a couple of small dips, a “balls on track” element and sections of wavy track. I also tried to keep as much track as possible out of the way of the clock so you can actually read it. From the top of the long track to the bottom takes about 38 seconds—which is a pretty long ride for a marble.

100% stainless steel, TIG welded.