Some Art... Reuben and Calder

I have just run across the remarkable art Reuben Margolin. He is an artist that does kinetic sculptures.

You can see some of of his work in action in this TED talk he gave this month.

I think his work is just fascinating. It seems like a more sophisticated version of what Alexander Calder started when he invented the mobile. I'm certainly not an art expert, but I sure do appreciate it, and Reuben's work is sure to also fascinate a few kids as well.

 I also love what he has to say about the beauty of something when you omit the details versus the knowledge of the complexity of something... like a tree or a two year old. You can love the shape or outline of a thing while also being fascinated with the details of how it works, but those perspectives work on different levels and there is a tension there between the two.

We have a Calder exhibit open right now here in the Triangle area at the Nasher Museum at Duke. I have not been to see it yet, but it will be open until June 17th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 7-17. If you don't want to pay the money or don't have time to go see it, there are some nice pictures up here to peruse.

Finding things and creating something out of them can be a lot of fun, and I see that both of these artists do that. It's something kids and grown-ups can get into at all levels. Home art project anyone?

Incidentally, I've been told that there is something called the Maker Faire coming up. Again, I have never been to this and won't be in town to try it out this year, but it really seems like a blast. It'll be at the NC State Fair Grounds June 16th, and the website says that it is "a celebration of everything made". Here is some more of what the website says:

ABOUT MAKER FAIRE

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning.

Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, science clubs, students, authors, and commercial exhibitors. They are of all ages and backgrounds. Maker Faire’s mission is to entertain, inform, connect and inspire these thousands of Makers and aspiring Makers.

People I know have been with their kids and highly recommend it. Someone check it out for me and report back! I'd love to hear how it went!

Here are a couple of pictures of Jessi's creations. One is a fairy house she made out of popsicle sticks and the other is a bunch of stuff she made at a Town of Cary art camp out of all kinds of "trash".