Stencil Mobile, Second Try

I made this huge mobile (4-1/2 feet tall, 6 feet wide) two years ago for a Spirit and Kitsch group show at the Tompkins County Public Library called Seeing Color. The art explored the theme of color grids, and Ben Marlan also taught a couple of public art classes where participants got to make their own grids.

Originally, this mobile was plain blocks of color. However, after hanging in Spirit and Kitsch and then Kitschen Sink since 2007, it needed a repair. So, I thought I would also take the opportunity to gussy it up with some stenciled designs.

I think this attempt is more successful than my first try at stencil mobiles. Here, the metal pieces are simpler and more uniformly arranged. This allows the designs to stand out and not compete with the pieces. I also like the Wheel of Fortune effect, as if the symbols are spelling out a secret message.

I will have this piece at the Ithaca Artists' Market on July 31, and it will return to the Kitschen Sink afterwards.