Strandbeests – a man’s dream for evolution

Jo BryantJune 12, 2011March 7, 2012People

What is a Strandbeest? It is artificial life.

These animals are created by Theo Jansen using what he calls the holy numbers, and recycled materials, plastic tubing, rods, and rubber rings.

He hopes one day that they will be able to live on without him, and scuttle about the beach doing their thing.

You know the saying – life is stranger than fiction.

In this case – I think it’s true.

THEO JANSEN was born in 1948 in Scheveningen, The Netherlands. Check out his website. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach. View all posts by Jo Bryant

8 Comments

Unga Bunga Girl says:

June 13, 2011 at 1:42 am

Really interesting creations. Whacked post but cool.

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1. Jo Bryant says:
  
  June 13, 2011 at 8:25 am
  
  The creations are amazing – personally I think the inventor a bit strange, the way he talks about them – like they are alive,
  
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nothingprofound says:

June 13, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Unique inventions. The creature in the video resembles a giant centipede.

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1. Jo Bryant says:
  
  June 13, 2011 at 3:28 pm
  
  Pretty different that is for sure. 🙂
  
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RoughWaterJohn says:

June 14, 2011 at 5:27 pm

Maybe it’s me, but he seems quite normal to me. I enjoyed his creations, and hope to meet them on a lonely beach somewhere. Thanks Jo! 🙂

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1. Jo Bryant says:
  
  June 14, 2011 at 8:27 pm
  
  I liked his creations – just found it a little weird the way he talked about them as if they were his kids.
  
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midaevalmaiden says:

June 15, 2011 at 6:28 am

wow what a gem youve found! Im now thinking of Don Quixotes windmill in a whole new light!

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1. Jo Bryant says:
  
  June 15, 2011 at 10:00 am
  
  I would love to get into his mind – when you listen to him – he talks of them as living creatures. Check out his website. He has a live webcam where you can watch him work, he is so…i don’t know. but Theo fascinates me.
  
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