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Alexander Calder Quotes

Powerful Alexander Calder for Daily Growth

About Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder (1898-1976), an American sculptor and engineer, was born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, to artist parents—his mother, Nanette Bryant, was a painter and his father, Alexander Stirling Calder, a sculptor. This artistic lineage significantly influenced his life and work. After studying mechanical engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, Calder spent several years working in engineering before fully committing to art. He studied under the tutelage of Frederick Cottrell, Arthur Wesley Dow, and John La Farge, among others, and was exposed to a variety of artistic styles and techniques. Calder is best known for his innovative kinetic sculptures, or 'mobiles', which were suspended structures composed of delicately balanced shapes that moved gently with air currents. His first mobiles were created during the 1930s, initially as a way to entertain friends in his studio. However, they quickly gained recognition and became some of his most iconic works. In the 1940s, Calder expanded his art form by creating 'stabiles', static versions of mobiles that were designed for land-based display. This period saw him produce some of his most famous works, including 'Black Rider' and 'Mercury Fountain'. Calder's work significantly influenced modern and contemporary art, particularly in the realm of kinetic and interactive sculpture. His innovative spirit and dedication to creating dynamic, engaging art have left a lasting impact on the world of fine art. Among his major works are the 'Red disc-Blue disc' at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and 'La Grande Vitesse' in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which remains one of America's most recognizable public sculptures.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secrets of art: a Grasshopper, a Kite, and a Calder."

This quote by Alexander Calder suggests that the essential elements of art can be symbolized by three simple things: a Grasshopper (representing movement, spontaneity, and life), a Kite (symbolizing balance, harmony, and playfulness in the face of wind or challenges), and a Calder (indicating the unique, creative spirit of an artist himself). In other words, art is about capturing the essence of life through movement and form, creating harmony and balance while maintaining one's individual style and vision.

"I love making things that people love to look at."

This quote by Alexander Calder encapsulates his artistic philosophy, which was deeply rooted in the joy of creation and appreciation by others. He valued the process of creating art as much as he cherished the experience of viewers engaging with it. In essence, Calder's art was a means to spark emotion, ignite curiosity, and create connections between people and his creations.

"Movement is the heartbeat of life and art."

Alexander Calder's quote emphasizes the importance of movement, both in nature and in art, as a vital aspect of life and creativity. Movement symbolizes change, growth, and dynamism - qualities that are inherent in living organisms and artistic expressions. This quote suggests that just as life is sustained by its rhythmic, pulsating movement, so too is the creation of art. By invoking this metaphor, Calder reminds us to appreciate the fluidity, energy, and vitality that movement imparts to both our world and our artistic endeavors.

"In my art I've tried simply to be an open channel."

This quote suggests that Alexander Calder viewed his artistic process as a means of uninhibited expression, allowing ideas and creativity to flow naturally without imposing personal biases or limitations. He aimed to serve as a conduit for the art itself, not seeking personal glory or interpretation, but rather facilitating the emergence of pure, authentic creations.

"I think in terms of movement, colors, and sounds."

This quote by Alexander Calder reflects his artistic perspective that was rooted in dynamic, colorful, and musical elements. He envisioned art not as static objects but as entities moving through space, harmoniously interacting with their surroundings like a dance, and influenced by the vibrant hues of nature or music's rhythmic patterns. This approach resonated deeply within Calder's kinetic sculptures and mobile designs that continue to captivate viewers today.

Why must art be static? You look at an abstraction, sculptured or painted, an entirely exciting arrangement of planes, spheres, nuclei, entirely without meaning. It would be perfect, but it is always still. The next step in sculpture is motion.

- Alexander Calder

Perfect, Next, Painted, Static

Just as one can compose colors, or forms, so one can compose motions.

- Alexander Calder

Just, Compose, Motions, Forms

I have been making wire jewelry - and think I'll really do something with it, eventually.

- Alexander Calder

Jewelry, Think, Been, Wire

My fan mail is enormous. Everyone is under six.

- Alexander Calder

Mail, Fan, Six, Fan Mail

The underlying sense of form in my work has been the system of the universe, or part thereof. For that is a rather large model to work from.

- Alexander Calder

Been, Rather, Large, Underlying

I paint with shapes.

- Alexander Calder

Art, Paint, Shapes

To an engineer, good enough means perfect. With an artist, there's no such thing as perfect.

- Alexander Calder

Art, Perfect, Means, Engineer

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