“Creative activity is a type of learning process where the teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.” Arthur Koestler
Colin Harry’s career as a mechatronic designer stems from his innate curiosity and fascination with the world around him. It is the continuation of his life-long passion for building, creating and discovery. Colin’s desire to continually challenge himself both professionally and personally has allowed him to develop a diverse range of technical skills and expertise. He has worked in a variety of areas including rehabilitation research, biotech, aerospace, exhibition development, special effects prop fabrication for film and television and visual arts.
Colin has managed to professionally integrate his interest in design, engineering, and art by collaborating with several internationally renowned Canadian artists. He specializes in design and fabrication of interactive robotic and mechanical artwork. Colin designed and built an autonomous interactive robot table for artist Max Dean. It was shown at the 2001 Venice Biennial and the National Gallery of Canada in 2002/2003. It is now part of the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection. He has a long-standing collaborative relationship with artist Lois Andison, helping her to resolve many technical issues related to the fabrication of her work. Colin is currently working with artist Shary Boyle on her piece entitled White Elephant. It is a 8 foot high mechanized figure that will be shown at the Gardener Museum in January 2021.
He also works as a design consultant with Continuum Aerospace on a project to develop a miniature additively manufactured (3D printed) rocket engine prototype. The engine is intended to be used as a propulsion module for micro satellites and cube satellites giving them the capability to maneuver while in orbit. The project is funded by the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Technology Development Program (STDP).
Colin’s most recent full-time position was working at the University of Toronto as a Mechanical Technologist managing the Aerospace and Mechatronics Design Lab. He developed a reputation among engineering science students for providing effective mentor-ship and technical leadership with their engineering design projects for the course AER201. He was employed in this role for 4 ½ years.
Colin is also an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys canoeing, camping, cross country skiing, caving and running.