Making A Mobile

I've always been drawn to sculptural art made with unconventional materials. Pair that with my love of thrifting and out comes a new outlet for my creativity!

It all started with the necklaces I had been making that are a combination of found materials that include metal, wood, stone and porcelain. After about a year of creating these small pieces of art, I started wonder what they would look like as large mobiles hanging from the ceiling. I am really drawn to the art of Alexander Calder, so I thought I would give a try at my own moving sculptures. So, I did what I do best ... started thrifting!

What I searched for were objects that had a modern shape with an interesting patina. I didn't want people to get caught up in the objects previous use, so I looked for things that didn't have an obvious origin, but just had a really cool shape. I also found materials that I could shape myself such as wood veneer edging that can be shaped into circles. I use aluminum strips that I pound into teardrops and aluminum wire that I pound flat and bend for smaller shapes. Another interesting material is thick leather that is usually used in saddle making. I cut it into quirky shapes and give them a worn patina. Not to long ago I bought some clay from a local studio and started making some rings and dangles. The clean, fired clay is such a nice contrast to the warmer woods and metals.

Next step is laying out all of the elements (which I do on the floor of my studio). I choose objects that have a similar color or patina and then I add contrasting elements while being very conscious of the overall shape. The work in progress usually sits on the floor for awhile and as I walk by it every day, I make tweaks by substituting objects or adding in my own handmade shapes. Once I'm happy with the design, I start the construction process. This involves drilling holes, pounding metal, connecting rings, or any of the other subtle nuances needed to run the wires through the whole piece.

Next is the wiring. I use a braided beading wire that doesn't kink and can hold some weight (although I try to use lighter objects so that the mobiles are lighter and easier to hang). I came up with a system of using crimp tubes that are used in beading to hold the elements of the mobile in place. Sometimes the way that the wire weaves through an object creates its own unique shape that adds to the visual interest. It's all part of the creative process that makes it so much fun!

The mobiles I've created have not been pre-designed, but rather a random pairing of found shapes that come together intuitively to form a visual story of movement.