Over the past 20 years we’ve crossed paths with all manner of passionate people blazing their own trails, so we thought this would be a good opportunity to revisit some of the more eccentric characters we’ve been lucky enough to chat with over the journey.
By definition, eccentric are unconventional. They see things differently and encourage others do the same. But breaking new ground isn't just about seeing new opportunities where others see none. It's about having the wherewithal and determination to forge that new path. So, if there is one trait we would say is common to all of the following interview subjects, it isn't eccentricity – it's passion.
That’s what kept them pursuing visions that many others would have disregarded as crazy and kept them persevering when others would have taken the easier well-laid path, or simply given up.
Picking the brains of such people to gain an insight into their work and a greater understanding of their drive and inspiration is one of the major benefits of what we do. We hope you enjoy paying them another visit as much as we did.
-
![Szymon Klimek fabricates some of the most amazing miniature electromechanical artwork you are ever likely to see]()
Szymon Klimek's artwork is small, mechanical, and amazing!
July 31, 2012Szymon Klimek fabricates the most amazing miniature electromechanical artwork you are ever likely to see. -
![Wollemi treehouse hotel: living space (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)]()
Lionel Buckett's extraordinary treehouse hotel in Australia's Blue Mountains
May 08, 2015Built around a turpentine tree and fireproofed against the harsh Australian bushfire season, this treehouse hotel cabin is a magical space with profoundly stunning views. It's another masterpiece from Clifftop Cave builder Lionel Buckett. -
![Rob Cockerham conducts DIY science experiments, performs hands-on product research and creates wacky inventions on his Cockeyed blog]()
The Cockeyed experiments and creations of Rob Cockerham
February 14, 2011Rob Cockerham conducts DIY science experiments, performs hands-on product research and creates wacky inventions on his Cockeyed blog. -
![Alison did her job - but watching her be torn apart by other sharks was a bittersweet moment for Eddie Paul]()
Eddie Paul: How to build a mechanical shark
April 08, 2016Inventor, automaker, stuntman and Hollywood prop builder Eddie Paul gives us an unique insight into the process behind one of his spectacular mechanical sharks.
-
![The Strandbeest Plaudens Vela can walk in the wind at low speeds and avoid tumbling over in high winds (Photo: Theo Jansen)]()
November 17, 2013How many artificial animals can you encounter on a seaside walk? More than one if you frequent the Dutch coastline where Theo Jansen's moving artworks amble along with the help of their rudimentary senses. -
![Transhumanist Rich Lee is currently involved in a legal battle with his wife over custody of their children]()
March 30, 2017Transhumanist Rich Lee currently has five implants in his body meant to enhance the way he experiences and interacts with the world. While they may have added to his life, they may now also be taking something away: his kids. We talked with the body modifier to find out more. -
![Standing 13 ft tall, Method-1 is an imposing mech suit from Korea Future Technologies]()
December 23, 2016From science fiction to science fact: Vitaly Bulgarov's work on Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters gave him a unique perspective to tackle his greatest work - a 13-ft tall, walking robot mecha suit with arms that mimic the motions of a human pilot. -
![Eddie Braun launches toward immortality in his 10,000 horsepower steam-powered rocket, the Evel Spirit, in an event that has been beautifully documented in a new documentary called Stuntman, available now on Disney Plus]()
July 25, 2021New Atlas was at Snake River Canyon five years ago when Eddie Braun spectacularly finished the terrifying rocket bike jump that nearly killed Evel Knievel. The event is now a gorgeous documentary on Disney+, and we sat down with Braun to reminisce.
