The father of mobiles and a famous circus, which traveled around the world in his luggage

 

Alexander Calder

About Alexander Calder

Like Duchamp, Alexander Calder was exposed to sculpting as a child through his grandfather’s and father’s work. He initially decided to be an engineer instead. However, after learning the principles of engineering, he realized that he was best able to apply them in his favorite medium of wire, which he used to make toys when he was younger. An amalgamation of his family history of sculpting, the experience of making wire toys for his sister’s dolls, and the principles of engineering resulted in the invention of mobiles, Calder’s most notable accomplishment to the art world.

PBS American Mastershttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/calder_a.html#http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/caldwel.shtmshapeimage_4_link_0

Online Resources

Smithsonian Online Collectionhttp://www.aaa.si.edu/collectionsonline/caldalex/http://www.aaa.si.edu/collectionsonline/caldalex/http://www.aaa.si.edu/collectionsonline/caldalex/shapeimage_7_link_0shapeimage_7_link_1

Alexander Calder on YouTube

Alexander Calder on Flickr

Alexander Calder on DayLife

Alexander Calder on Digg