SIMPLE CALDER STABLES

Simple Calder Stabiles

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Simple Calder Stable using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric, biomorphic), line types (wavy, angled, curved), and complimentary colors (blue, orange; red, green; yellow, purple) inspired by American Sculptor (1898-1976) Alexander Calder
• Use paper techniques (folding, scoring, bending) and design principles (balance, movement, repetition) based on Modern Art
• Define Stable (a decoratie unmovable structure)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Red Horse (1926) Alexander Calder
2. Read The Essential Alexander Calder by Howard Greenfeld
3. Discussion Questions "How do you think Alexander Calder balanced this stabile? How do you imagine it stands within the space? Has Calder created a whole new art form? What does this stabile remind you of? Why do you suppose Calder gave the stable a descriptive name (Red Horse) but left the mobile within a specific title? What do you think about his work? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Have you ever tried to make a stabile? How did Alexander Calder designs a shape for the installation? What identical shapes were used in making this stabile?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose Three 12 X 12 Colored Construction Paper
2. Use three compositional elements (shape, color, texture) to represent a memory, place, or event
3. Use line variation (wavy, straight, curved) as a design principle (balance, movement, repetition) within ones Simple Calder Stable

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Simple Calder Stables for Assigned Table
2. La Grande Vitesse (1969) Alexander Galder in Grand Rapids
3. Discussion Questions "What is going on in this artwork? What was your first reaction when you saw this artwork? Why do you think you had that reaction? What type of colors are used in this artwork? Which area of the artwork is emphasized by the artist? How did the artist use space? How did the artist use balance? How does your eye move through the artwork? What choices did the artist make to make that happen? What adjectives would you use to describe this artwork? What verbs would you use to describe this artwork? What do we know about the artist after viewing this artwork? Why do you think the artist created this work of art? How do you think this artwork was made?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use compasses, protractors, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to simple stabiles
2. Use complimentary colors (red, green; blue, orange; yellow, purple) to fill in the positive space of the simple stabile
3. Use complimentary colors (red, green; blue, orange; yellow, purple) to fill in the negative space of the Simple Calder Stabiles

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Simple Calder Stables for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, construction paper, markers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use scissors to cut out two dimensional symmetrical shapes to create a three dimensional paper sculpture 
2. Glue down three dimensional symmetrical shapes to create a simplified stabile design
3. Use sharpie markers to add beautiful patterns (hearts, swirls, dots) within ones own Simple Calder Stabile 

Artist Examples

Student Examples