Michael Johnston calls his work “futuristic, mechanical timepieces created from recycled electronics and found objects,” and it is on view at Newtown Municipal Center until December 24.

The show, “Optimus Time,” offers large pieces as well as pieces that will fit into one’s hand. Most of the works include working clocks.

A resident of Newtown, Mr Johnston is a self taught artist who had a past life as a master dyer and colorist of rungs. He also produces abstract acrylic masks, which have been exhibited through New Haven Arts Council. The masks reflected nature, from a tree trunk to broccoli.

Mr Johnston began incorporating clocks into his art serendipitously.

“I was working on an acrylic abstract and there was an empty circular space on the piece,” he said. “A clock made so much sense and reflected what I was hoping to achieve.”

He likes to unify the disparate parts of his pieces with metallic paint, including copper, silver, gold and bronze. Black is sometimes used, but gloss doesn’t work, he notes. He uses matte black.

His work, says Mr Johnston, is futuristic and “reflects how complex the machinery is.” Wood and metal are both used for the basis of his work, and he uses Super Glue. Gorilla Glue, he said, takes too long to dry.

“Optimus Time” is in the main corridor of Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street. The public can view it Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 5 pm.