Artist Travis Seeger is the man behind the stainless steel installation, Kinetic Tree Sculpture, which features mesmerising, wind-driven movement.
Renowned Texas-based metal sculptor Travis Seeger’s latest creation is a stunning kinetic tree sculpture made from stainless steel ball chain supplied by Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Ball Chain). Crafted from over two miles of quarter-inch stainless steel ball chain, the life-sized tree sculpture sways gracefully in response to wind, bringing the artwork to life with perpetual motion.
The unique properties of stainless steel ball chain, such as its ability to remain untangled and maintain consistent movement, made it the ideal material for Seeger’s vision. “The smooth motion of the stainless steel ball chain adds a dynamic and aesthetic dimension to my sculpture,” said Seeger. The sculpture withstood transportation in an open trailer at over 70 mph without tangling, demonstrating the high-quality, durable nature of Ball Chain’s product.
Seeger discovered Ball Chain through an online search, where he connected with company president Bill Taubner. “I had no idea I was speaking with the president of the company when I reached out,” Seeger shared. “Their customer service and expertise exceeded my expectations.”
Seeger’s kinetic sculptures blend artistry with functionality, offering inspiration for developers, architects, homeowners, and landscapers alike. This innovative use of stainless steel ball chain highlights its versatility in both creative and practical applications.
The collaboration between Seeger and Ball Chain Manufacturing Co. showcases the potential of modern materials in contemporary sculpture. Ball Chain, a family-owned company since 1938, is the world’s largest manufacturer of ball chains, producing over 4 million feet of product each week at its Mount Vernon, New York facility. Their products are widely used in military dog tags, ceiling fans, lighting, handbags and architectural elements such as ShimmerScreen® metal curtains.
ShimmerScreen® is part of Ball Chain’s BCM Architectural division, featuring customisable metal ball chain applications for room dividers, window treatments, and lighting installations. The product is on display in prestigious restaurants, luxury hotels, corporate lobbies and celebrity residences worldwide.
Seeger, alongside fellow sculptor Foster Talge, is a metal artist specialising in life-sized kinetic tree sculptures. Based in Austin, Texas, their sculptures feature mild steel trunks and stainless steel ball chain canopies, creating mesmerising, wind-driven movement.
Founded in 1938, Ball Chain Manufacturing Co., Inc. is a family-owned business and the world’s largest ball chain manufacturer. Known for producing high-quality, made-in-USA ball chains, their products are used across multiple industries, from fashion to home goods to architectural installations.
