To change it up a bit, I’ve been working on some mobiles. I love mobiles because they are literally moving works of art. The way the shapes and colors move through space is captivating. Add in some wind or a fan and it reminds us even more of the presence of the air we breathe. Thus, the same substance giving us life also puts life in the mobile. Here are some of my mobiles. (Please excuse the poor photography. I found that it’s very hard to photograph a hanging, moving object!)
This mobile has black and white birds flying under a black branch with white leaves. This mobile was created for a nursery. Black and white where specifically chosen since babies see high contrast images clearer. The branch is an actual piece of wood from nature coated in acrylic paint. I wanted to bring part of the outside in – making these birds feel more at home.
This mobile has dark violet, light violet, lime and white elephants with large 3-dimensional ears. The top of the mobile is a piece of grosgrain ribbon wrapped around aluminum wire. The (almost) abstract, simplified elephants were created using a circle and then cutting pieces away.
Next, we have lots of color! This mobile has two shades of orange foxes with white tipped tails, pink and blue hearts, two-tone green leaves and yellow stars. Each object is hung from twisted aluminum wire.
Last, here is the sailboat mobile. This one is my personal favorite. The boat hulls are made from maps of the local area and are folded origami style. The sails are white paper held up by natural hemp string. The sailboats are floating below a structure made of aluminum wire and burlap. I wanted to give the feeling of nautical rope for this piece.
If you are interested in seeing more mobiles, check out artist Alexander Calder. His mobiles are absolutely amazing. The balance and color are very captivating. I was fortunate enough to see one in person at the Museo Panini on a trip to Italy. The museum has a great little sculpture garden out front and the inside is filled with vintage cars and bikes. Most interesting is that it sits right in the middle of a cheese farm. You just might have a cow or two cross your path on the way in!
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
