Alexander Calder1898-1976

“To an engineer, good enough means perfect. With an artist there’s no such thing as perfect.”

Calder Foundation http://calder.org/

Talented artist at a young age

Went to school and graduated with an engineering degree

Had various jobs before he went back to school for art, New York – Art Students League in 1923.

Took an illustrating job for National Police Gazette where he had to sketch scenes from the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

The circus scene inspired his own circus creations.

Influenced by Mondrian simplistic paintings and Duchamp’s sculptures

“I paint with shapes”

Hanging Mobiles:

Mobile: refers to the ability to move around

Kinetic sculpture: having the ability to move and is 3 dimensional

Mobiles with a stationary base

Stabiles:-Abstract creations of steel -These have implied movement even though stable

-Designed for outdoor

Outdoor Stabiles with mobiles

Calder -Stabile in action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7daTukUjx3E&feature=BFa&list=PLFB5AC3BE6586FECB&lf=plpp_video

Wire Sculptures

Sculptural Toys

Circus Toys

http://superradnow.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/alexander-calders-circus/

Jewelry

2D paintings and prints

And more.. Calder’s friend, Herve Poulain, asked him to create a rolling canvas on the BMW 3.0 CSL E9 that he would race.

Inspiration to other artists http://thebluehound.com/jewelry/blog/2011/04/22

/calder-inspirations/

http://lilygirlfriends.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

http://dreamcatcherranch.net/designs/2010/07/alexander-calder-inspiration/

http://1950satomicranchhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/calder-mobile-print-tablecloth.html

http://simpleelements.blogspot.com/2010/04/when-i-was-in-college-i-would-often.html

http://www.minispace.com/en_us/article/Salone-2011/539/?utm_source=home&utm_medium=article_teaser&utm_campaign=xyz

Calder Mobile Standards /Learning Targets S.1. The artist can understand and apply media, techniques, and processes:

The artist can use art processes and techniques previously practiced to create a unique work of art that meets project learning targets / goals and expectations. The artist also understands and can demonstrate processes and safety concerns involved for caring for art media / materials as well as utilizing resources and time effectively and efficiently. (project: application of techniques, creativity, process, and working procedures)

-The artist can create a Calder inspired mobile that is well balanced physically and visually interesting (ex. shape, size, color, design, etc.) by using a min. of 3 arms / branches, shapes that dangle from each point, and at least one shape that is cut from the inside of another shape.

S.4. The artist can reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others: The artist can write an in depth reflection upon the completion of a project incorporating the elem. of art / principles of design, including the following pieces: explanation of the project including the process, research competed, project goals / standards met, and personal reflection of their art as well as art created around them. (project reflection)

Calder Mobile Standards /Learning Targets

S.2. The artist uses knowledge of structures and functions: The artist can organize the components of a work of art into a cohesive and meaningful whole, such as organizational principles, expressive features and functional art to create a finished work of art. (project: use of elem. of art / principles of design and craftsmanship to function as intended)

-Overall good craftsmanship was evident in the design of this piece as it was well put together with parts being able to move around.

Calder Mobile Standards /Learning Targets

S.3. The artist understands the visual arts in relation to history and cultures, can make interdisciplinary connections, and engage in 21st cent. Skills: The artist can research a variety of ideas in planning for own individual project. These researched ideas should also be shared within the final project reflection. (project process: research, planning, collaboration, communication, cross curricular connections)

Calder Mobile Standards /Learning Targets

S.4. The artist can reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others: The artist can write an in depth reflection upon the completion of a project incorporating the elem. of art / principles of design, including the following pieces: explanation of the project including the process, research competed, project goals / standards met, and personal reflection of their art as well as art created around them. (project reflection)

Create your own online Calder Mobile

http://www.nga.gov/education/classroom/interactive/mobile.htm

Create your own mobile with your choice of branches, shapes, etc.