An ottoman is a mechanical device made to move like a human or living creature.

And they've been part of human history for tens of centuries.

One Kentucky artist uses the skill of mechanical engineering in combination with skilled artistry, to create sculptures that move more than just the viewer.

So we're taking a closer look in this week's Arts and Culture segment we like to call Tapestry.

I create sculpture that move, and I like the fact that it moves because the viewer interacts with it.

They turn a crank or they pull a lever, or they lift the lid of a box, something that provides some motion, but also causes the piece to kind of come alive.

I have been in some exhibits where the exhibiting entity feels like they need to put it in a glass case away from human touch, and that completely misses the point.

I think if the person can't interact with it, if they can't be involved with it in a hands on way, it really misses that important purpose, which is to kind of be a part of that person's experience.

People get to touch it.

They get to interact with it.

They get to turn a crank.

They get to bring it to life.

They get to show it to their family and friends.

It they become immersed in it.

I think they experience the same joy that I do in creating it.

I've got a big gear turning a little gear which enables me to get the wings moving really quickly.

I have a long history, even as a child, of taking my toys apart to figure out how they worked, how they moved.

But when I decided to create some kinetic sculpture, some automata, I had to basically start from the beginning and teach myself about mechanical movements.

And that's been a real trial.

And error kind of endeavor, but also very challenging in and heck of a lot of fun that has a little bit of a surprise.

You turn the crank and of course the big gear turns and then the invasion of cats come out.

I like to create a piece that kind of stands alone and works.

Even if it didn't move, the movement can sometimes be a novelty or a very important part of the piece, but I like for it to stand on its own as sculpture.

The first How lucky can you be to be able to go into a studio and create any crazy thing you can think of and have people appreciate it?

I feel like the luckiest person on earth.

I have work that I absolutely love.

I can't wait to get back in the studio.

I would love to keep working till the very end.

Where you can get hands on with that exhibit.

It's called Curiosities in Motion.

It's running at the Mormon Gallery in Louisville until June 29th.