Every day, I make one-of-a-kind mobiles in my 120 year old Iowa farm house. This began during the pandemic. In October, 2020 a friend was working on repairs to the greenhouse and left some sheet metal scraps. In a flash of inspiration I thought, "I have tin snips. I could make something from this!” I began to experiment and learn.
The materials are simple. Metal. Paint. Wire. Mobile making requires the use of hand and power tools to shape the sheet metal, aluminum, copper, lucite and steel wire - cutting, sanding, drilling, and painting. Assembly involves engineering; finding balance and developing its structural design.
The mobile emerges from applying imagination to these common materials. I get an idea: of abstract classic forms, or images from nature; butterflies, trees, clouds or leaves, birds. I begin to tinker, to consider colors and scope, size, and shape, and get to work. I love this combination of art, craft, and engineering that the process requires.
Mobiles have had a special place in my heart since I was a high school art student. My teacher was very fond of Alexander Calder, and I became entranced by the artist and his work.
The work is both engineering and art. Fun fact: My father was a professional engineer, and my mother was a gifted artist. I feel both of their influences when I am making mobiles. My art is the literal apple falling from my genetic DNA tree! I am grateful for the opportunity to create and offer these one-of-a-kind hanging works of art.