Wil McDermott: Crafting Machines That Do Nothing, But Everything for Art

Meet Wil McDermott ‘25, a talented high school senior whose unique approach to art is anything but traditional. As a student enrolled in AP Studio Art under the guidance of Nate Rogers, Wil's creative journey has evolved into something truly original. While he has always dabbled in various forms of art, including theater and visual arts, Wil feels his true artistic path began in eighth grade when he built a toy tractor for his younger brother, Thomas ’37, marking the moment when his passion for making things took off.

That spark of creativity continued to grow during his time at the Think Tank makerspace, where Wil worked under the mentorship of Leigh Northrup. He quickly became drawn to the possibilities of 3D art and design, especially when he discovered the laser cutter and its potential for woodworking. "I instantly fell in love with the 3D element," Wil says, and from there, his love for craft and design only deepened.

Today, as an AP Studio Art student, Wil's work focuses on craft and design, with an emphasis on 3D laser-cut wood art. His latest series, titled The Machine that Does Nothing, explores the intersection of art and engineering in a whimsical yet profound way. The series features intricate machines made from laser-cut wood, including motorized gear systems and turning gearboxes, all with one defining characteristic: they serve no purpose. "I thought it would be fascinating if someone could look at and interact with something that inevitably is pointless," Wil explains.

The theme of interaction is central to Wil's art. Growing up, he remembers visiting museums and feeling frustrated that visitors were unable to touch the art. Inspired by this experience, Wil decided to create art that people could engage with physically. His machines, though intentionally pointless, invite the viewer to interact and explore the mechanics behind the art itself. This interactive aspect is something Wil is passionate about, and he credits his younger brother, Thomas, as an inspiration. They spent hours together building marble runs, and Wil wanted to create something that would engage someone as young as Thomas—a kindergartener—with art in a fun and accessible way. "I was always set on the idea of interaction," he says.

Wil’s creative process is also a bit unconventional. He laughs when he admits, "I just start building." Wil uses Adobe Illustrator to design blueprints and cut them and enjoys the process of figuring out how to make his machines work. His art flows organically, and he embraces the unexpected surprises that come with the journey.

For Wil, balancing academics and creative pursuits has sometimes been a challenge. He acknowledges the pressure many high school students feel to prioritize academic rigor and college prep. "I do feel there is a bit more pressure as students enter high school to forgo creative pursuits in favor of academics," he says. Despite this, Wil has never wavered in his commitment to craft and design. He sees the fulfillment he gets from creating as something too important to give up, and he plans to continue working on his artwork in college next year.

In the future, Wil hopes his machines and interactive art will break down barriers between traditional and nontraditional art forms, allowing more people to engage with and enjoy art in new and innovative ways. As he continues to challenge conventional ideas, Wil McDermott is definitely an artist to watch.