recycled twig and flower mobiles
as a teenager, I was really inspired by Alexander Calder mobiles. I think there is something about the carefully calibrated act of balancing forms — like being a puppeteer of an entire universe — that felt like an enchantment. I wanted that: to create a hanging universe.
alexander calder, big red, 1959 at the whitney
so, I made my own. actually, I didn’t set out with the intention of making a mobile. one bright Saturday in October, I bought one stick of (do you call them flowers?) at the open air market in my neighborhood
they sat in my room for weeks, and brought me so much joy. I even painted them. eventually, the leaf and stem died. the orange buds remained as potently bright as they were before.
I saved the orange buds, and they sat on my table for a few weeks as I decided what their reincarnated life should be. I picked up a twig off of the sidewalk. I rummaged for red sewing thread in my drawer. then, one dark Sunday in November, I made this.
they were so delicate. the thread would entangle. the buds slipped through my hands. but now, I can lay in bed and admire their beauty.
art is always a process of transformation, like alchemy. seeing art in nature. making more art from it.
do you want to make one? here’s all that you need:
dried flower buds or pressed leaves
sewing thread
a twig
lots of patience, love, and tenderness.