Artist Antje Roitzch presents a fascinating collection of freeform mobiles in different shapes and mediums. Enjoy her expressive works, and find more by visiting her website.
“Moondance” painted aluminum, 30″ x 16″ x 16″
Mobile making is an ever-evolving art form, and I am absolutely hooked. It’s like being a kid in the candy store; there are so many delicious options I want to try out. I play, I have fun, I get excited about colors. Walking the line between gravity and balance gives a structure that I love to push against, challenge and learn to work with.
“Under Full Sail” hammered titanium, flame anodized, 17″ x 17″ x 17″
Then there is the profound energetic impact when a mobile is placed in a space. The energy changes. It is a mystery, like magic. I can’t explain it rationally, I just let the calm, grounding and healing energy wash over me and delight in the beauty. Watching the gently spiraling motion reminds me that life is always in flux and changing. Yet even in motion, one can feel at peace.
“Sunset Gathering” painted aluminum 36″ x 30″ x 30″ Photo credit: Aidan Kaczynski
During the many years as a goldsmith and sculptor, I created flowing abstract shapes and let the material speak for itself, never altering it with colors. When I was pulled to see those forms take flight, I used colored paper to create my first mobiles. Seeing the shapes in bold colors struck a deep chord. Now I use them to enhance the sense of joy, play and whimsy.
“Bunte Welt” repurposed cedar shingles with watercolor 21″ x 19″ x 19″
When starting a new piece, I often sketch a shape that gets broken down into individual segments. I build the model out of paper and connecting rings, following the guiding principals of gravity and balance.
“Rainbow Flock ” Installation at Rockland Maine Library using diverse materials, many of them repurposed
At this point I hang the model in my living space to watch it. I observe how it likes to move. Does it spiral or move randomly? Is it balanced? Are all elements harmoniously building upon each other? Does each element move freely without hitting one another? Is the overall shape interesting and intriguing, even if there is no air circulation and it hangs still?
“Riding The Wave” hammered copper with patina, Edition1 of 10, 12″ x 16″ x 16″
Depending on the light in the room, shadows play on the wall, enhancing and deepening the visual dimension.
“Trifecta” ash, cherry, walnut, 27″ x 16″ x 16″
Once I am happy with a design, I choose a material to create the mobile, taking into consideration the final destination when possible.
“Small Crescendo” acrylic 12″ x 19″ x 19″ Photo credit: Aidan Kaczynski
Each material has its own unique qualities. Thin aluminum is lightweight and moves easily in even the slightest breeze, while heavier materials, like powder-coated metal require more air current to set them into motion. Thin wood reacts to humidity and yet acrylic could live in a bathroom and can cast colorful shadows. The possibilities are endless.
“Galactic Swing” hammered copper, Edition 2 of 10, 23″ x 20″ x 20
Bringing my metalsmithing background into the mobile making art form, I also create pieces out of copper that I hammer and shape on an anvil, so they are already sculpturally formed before hanging them together. I am currently experimenting with different patinas to bring color to my copper mobiles, which are limited to editions of ten.
“Stairway To Heaven” repurposed cedar shingles with acrylic wash, 24″ x 46″ x 46″
There are still so many aspects of mobile creation that I want to explore. Using repurposed building materials to create an installation. Combining two or more mobiles in a space to relate to each other. Creating larger installations to fill a public space. Stay tuned.
Antje Roitzsch invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.