Automata—moving mechanical figures powered by intricate systems of cams, gears, levers, and imagination—have a rich history spanning centuries. These kinetic sculptures blur the boundaries between art and science, story-telling and precision. My journey into this world began in a surprisingly quiet and solitary way. Long before I knew the word automata, I was experimenting with paper, motors, and light—creating moving models that told tiny, whimsical stories. I wasn’t aware that what I was doing had a name, or that it belonged to a broader art form. It was only later, that I realized my work was part of a lineage, a tradition that continues to evolve. Coming from a background in Biotechnology, I’ve always been drawn to the mechanics of life—how things move, function, and respond. Automata, for me, became the artistic embodiment of that curiosity. My approach blends the analytical mindset of science with the expressive instincts of an artist. I use humble materials like paper and craft components, often layering techniques like quilling, miniature cutting, and lighting, to build kinetic sculptures that feel alive in both form and spirit. This April, I had the chance to attend Automata Fest 2025 in Hastings, UK—a vibrant gathering of artists, engineers, inventors, and storytellers united by motion and imagination. It was the first time I saw this deeply solitary practice turn into a shared language. Being surrounded by people who understood this niche and often underrepresented form of art felt magical.  The experience solidified something I had only sensed before: the importance of creative community. Automata is more than an art form—it’s a movement. And to grow within it, to push its boundaries and to keep reinventing it, one needs others who are equally curious, equally bold. In joining this movement, I hope not just to continue crafting kinetic pieces, but to contribute to a living, breathing space—where past, present, and possibility all move together.