INTRODUCTION TO 3-DIMENSIONAL ART MOBILES & STABILES Alexander Calder project

ALEXANDER CALDER Calder came from an artistic family, his father and grandfather were both sculptors, and his mother was a painter. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering 21, then became intrigued by art. He used his design skills and engineering knowledge to make his art, which are usually additive sculptures.

MOBILES & STABILES: What’s the difference? MOBILESTABILE moving sculptural artwork developed by Calder in 1932 and named by the artist Marcel Duchamp. Often constructed of colored metal pieces connected by wires or rods, mobiles have moving parts that are sensitive to a breeze or light touch; it can hang from the ceiling. Mobiles became popular in the 1950s for interior decoration an abstract construction that is completely stationary. Pioneered by Calder, and examples were termed stabiles to distinguish them from mobiles.

MOBILES Characteristics Calder’s mobiles usually had repeating organic or geometric shapes. The shapes were non- representational. His mobiles are balanced so that they could swing in the breeze without being thrown off balance.

It all has to do with BALANCE!

STABILES Characteristics Sits on the ground. Uses organic and geometric shapes just like mobiles (still non-representational pieces) Still balanced, but not made to move freely. Repetition of lines and forms.

GRADING CRITERIA for ALEXANDER CALDER PROJECT: ALEXANDER CALDER PROJECT - (STAGE ONE-DESIGN ON PAPER) Was your artwork submitted on or before the due date? Was your design loyal to the style of Alexander Calder? Is there clear evidence that you have planned for the actual construction of your project? How was the overall aesthetic value and craftsmanship of your artwork? How was your work ethic during the project? Did you use time wisely?

GRADING CRITERIA for ALEXANDER CALDER PROJECT: ALEXANDER CALDER PROJECT - (STAGE TWO-ASSEMBLING SCULPTURE) Was your artwork submitted on or before the due date? How well does your project balance (visually)? How well does your project balance (physically)? Was your design loyal to the style of Alexander Calder? How was the overall aesthetic value and craftsmanship of your artwork? How was your work ethic during the project? Did you use time wisely?