Alexander Calder American Sculptor and Painter

Alexander Calder Birthplace was in Lawnton, Pennsylvania Born on July 22, 1898 His grandfather had been a sculptor and both parents were artists. Calder in his studio fall of 1931 Photograph by Marc Vaux

Alexander Calder His interest in making objects developed at an early age: he fashioned his own toys and made small animal sculptures from brass sheet for his parents (as in Duck and Dog).

Alexander Calder Graduated from high school in 1915 Nicked named “SANDY” Graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1919 with a degree in mechanical engineering In 1923, attended Art Students League in New York City.

Alexander Calder In the early 1930’s Calder experimented with abstraction, first as a painter and later as a sculptor. Influenced by artists Piet Mondrian and Joan Miró Calder’s artwork included paintings in oil and gouache, drawings and lithographs.

Original lithographs in blue, red, & black and in red & black. Calder’s Lithographs Artworks 1a & b

Calder’s Paintings Boule Jaune, Boule Orange Black Sun Artworks #2a & b

Wire Sculptures Moved to Paris, France in 1926 Earned a living as an illustrator & toy designer His sculptures in wire brought him worldwide recognition Returned to the U.S. in 1933

Constellations In the late 30’s, Calder made abut 29 “constellations” including many variations on the type.

Calder the“Inventor” The circus was made up of small wire sculptures that actually performed acrobatic tricks. It was made out of items found in a “kitchen junk” drawer! A elaborate miniature circus is on permanent display at the Whitney Museum of American Art

Alexander Calder Calder’s sculptures were made of stone, wood and bronze. Famous for inventing the mobile & stabile “I want to make things that are fun to look at” quoted Calder.

Mobile A sculpture that is in motion. The word motion is significant here since it was Calder who freed sculpture from its base. MOBILE was coined by the artist Marcel Duchamp. Numbered One to Seven 1950 painted sheet metal and wire

Numbered One to Seven 1950 painted sheet metal and wire Artwork #3

Stabile A sculpture that is stationary. The spectator moves around the sculpture to observe its changing, interacting elements. Whale, 1937 sheet metal, bolts, and paint Big Bird, 1937 sheet metal, bolts, and paint STABILE was coined by Jean Arp.

Big Bird 1937 sheet metal, bolts, and paint Artwork #4

Calder’s Jewelry Calder’s works include jewelry, tapestries, toys and stage sets. Bracelet, c. 1940 silver wire Figa Pin, c. 1940 silver and steel wire

Calder’s Jewelry Louisa Pin c. 1940 silver and steel wire Made for his wife, incorporated her name in the pin design. Artwork #5

Alexander Calder Calder’s giant stabiles and mobiles are on display in dozens of public buildings and plazas in Brussels, Chicago, Mexico City, Montreal, New York City and many other cities.

Bronze Sculptures Double Helix, 1944 bronze Calder made sculptures first in plaster and then casted in bronze He incorporated movable parts in some sculptures He became frustrated with the casting process and change methods in designing pieces.

Double Helix, 1944 bronze Artwork #6

Maquette Teodelapio 1962 sheet metal and paint The Museum of Modern Art Artwork #7 A maquette is a model of the sculpture; about 1/5 of the final size.

Maquette Artwork #8 Southern Cross 1963 sheet metal, wire, and paint

Monumental Sculptures Art work #9 Flamingo 1976 Chicago “Flamingo is red because the piece is set against a black building.” - Calder

Calder Stamps Alexander Calder is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most innovative and witty artist.

Alexander Calder Calder died in New York City on November 11, 1976