12x18 drawing paper, ebony pencils, erasers, student stabiles from the previous lesson
Digital projector, laptop computer with internet access; National Gallery of Art and Calder Foundation websites or computer printouts of images such as Lobster Trap and Fish Tails; Untitled Mobile, Stabile with Mobile Element; Little Spider; Aluminum Leaves, Red Post; Red Petals; Southern Cross
Using 12x18 paper, ebony pencils, and erasers, students will sketch their stabiles from one view and add their plan for the attached mobile. When designing the shapes for the mobile, students wshould refer to the natural object that served as an inspiration.
You've made a planning sketch of your sculpture.
- What challenges might you encounter when you fabricate your sculpture from wire and board?
Hand out a sheet with this Calder quote:
I used to begin with fairly complete drawings, but now I start by cutting out a lot of shapes...Some I keep because they're pleasing or dynamic. Some are bits I just happen to find. Then I arrange them, like papier collé, on a table, and "paint" them—that is, arrange them, with wires between the pieces if it's to be a mobile, for the overall pattern. Finally I cut some more of them with my shears, calculating for balance this time.
I begin at the small ends, then balance in progression until I think I've found the point of support. This is crucial, as there is only one such point and it must be right if the object is to hang or pivot freely. I usually test out this point with strings to make sure before bending the wires. The size and angle of the shapes and how to use them is a matter of taste and what you have in mind.
To most people who look at a mobile, it's no more than a series of flat objects that move. To a few, though, it may be poetry.
Answer the following questions for homework:
- Underline a few phrases or words and define them.
- Highlight sentences or phrases that appeal to you. Explain why.